Degree: Master of Arts
Semester Hours: 48
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Degree requirements require a supervised ministry experience and completion of a final 3 semester-hour Ministry Specialization Project (SMCL 698SMCL 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.
Since the MACL is the MACL is a terminal degree, students who may later choose to enter a different program such as Master of Divinity will need to complete additional studies beyond the one-year difference in the two programs. If a student chooses to complete an MACL degree an MACL degree and then decides to pursue a Master of Divinity degree, consideration may be given to applying up to 33 semester hours of credit from the first degree toward the Master of Divinity degree.
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 God’s Story help students understand their connection to God’s story as found in Scripture in conversation with their own life stories being written in the present through growing spiritual practices. Additional 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 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 Christian Leadership Core Curriculum Design
Core Courses (18)
FS 501 503 Formation in Gods Story I Spiritual Practices (3)
FS 502 504 Formation in Gods Story II Narrative Identity (3)
BVOT 511 BVOT 511 Old Testament: Text in Context (3)
BVNT 512 BVNT 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)
CTT 634 CTT 634 Living Theology (3)
CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context (3)
Choose one of these courses (3)
CTH 501 Christian
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Traditions I
CTH 512 Christian
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Traditions II
Choose two Biblical Studies course courses (6)
Any BVG, BVOT or BVNT courses Any BVG, BVOT or BVNT courses
Recommended - BVG 621 BVG 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text
Choose one Worship CourseSMCL course: (3)SMCL 642 Congregational Worship (3)
Note: UMC students seeking deacon ordination need to take a worship course for their ordination requirements.
Students will complete the following or the UM studies
Choose two Advanced Theological studies courses (6)
CTT course
CTE course
CTH course CTT course
CTE course
CTH course
OR
United Methodist Studies (6)
(Student needs to check with his/her conference to confirm all requirements are met)
CM 670 U.M. Studies I (3)
CM 680 U.M. Studies II (3)
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*CM621 Evangelism: Living to Tell
strongly recommended; required for United Methodist deacon students
At least 3 sh SH of supervised ministry experience; options below:
FS 601 Formation in Ministry I (3 SH)
SMFE 601-602 CPE (6 SH)
FS 613 Home-based Spiritual Direction Practicum
SMCL 698 Ministry Specialization Project (3 SH requiredFS 698 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I (2 SH)
FS 699 Formation in Vocation and Leadership II (1 SH)
Possible Ministry Specializations:
Christian spiritual formation and direction
Chaplaincy and pastoral care
Congregational ministries (e.g. youth, teaching)
Total of 48 SH SH
Core courses: 36
Elective – guided by specialized specialization focus: 12