Degree: Master of Arts
Semester Hours: 48
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Early in their time of study, students will work with an advisor to identify vocational growth goals and to select courses that will prepare them for the specialized role they envision for their ministry. This specialization, while having a clear focus, will be made up of courses that students and advisors jointly discern will best serve their further ministry preparation. Possible areas of specialization given the training opportunities the seminary can provide are these: local and global mission of the the churchintercultural ministry; Christian spiritual formation and direction; chaplaincy and pastoral care; congregational ministries (e.g. children and youth, teaching, preaching and worship). Students may also pursue one of several graduate certificates in other EMU graduate programs, for example the Certificate in Restorative Justice, or the Certificate in Transformational Leadership.
Degree requirements require a supervised ministry experience and completion of a final 3 semester-hour Ministry Specialization Project (SMCL 698). This project will be a summative reflection on the area of specialization chosen by each student, and a proposal for ways the ministry specialization will contribute to the students’ ongoing vocation.
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A unique strength of Eastern Mennonite Seminary is our formation program. We believe that focusing on one’s own formation during the seminary journey is the way for ministering persons to be healthy and whole in their vocations. For this degree, two formation courses are required. Two formation courses, Formation in Spiritual Practices and Formation in Narrative Identity, invite students to pay attention to the rhythms of their life, discern God's presence and explore a sustainable rule of life while centering a narrative reflection process of self-understanding and theological meaning making. Additional Formation in Vocation and Leadership provides an opportunity for vocational discernment, leadership theory and skill building, and structures the Ministry Specialization Project development. Additional Formation studies can be done as part of the students’ specializations. Persons considering advanced academic master or doctoral studies should pursue the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Religion degree rather than the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership.
Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Core Curriculum Design
Core Courses (18)
FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3)
FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity (3)
BVOT 511 Old TestamentBIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context (3)
BVNT 512 BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)
CTT 634 Living Theology (3)
CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context (3)
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Choose two Biblical Studies courses (6)
Any BVG, BVOT or BVNT courses Any BIBL courses
Recommended - BVG 621 BIBL 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text
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*CM621 Evangelism: Living to Tell
strongly recommended; required for United Methodist deacon students
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FS 601 Formation in Ministry I (3 SH)
SMFE 601-602 CPE (6 SH)
FS
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FS 698 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I (2 SH)
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Possible Ministry Specializations:
Christian spiritual formation and direction
Chaplaincy and pastoral care
Congregational ministries (e.g. children and youth, teaching, preaching and worship)
Intercultural ministry
Total of 48 SH
Core courses: 36
Elective – guided by specialized specialization focus: 12