Master of Arts - Ministry - Specialization in Leadership
The Leadership specialization includes a core set of leadership, management, and communication skills in order to prepare students to participate effectively in God’s advancing mission in the world. Incorporated throughout the program are the eight components of Drs. John and Vera Mae Perkins’ teaching: 1) Relocation: Living Among the People; 2) Reconciliation; 3) Redistribution (Just Distribution of Resources); 4) Leadership Development; 5) Listening to Community; 6) Church-Based; 7) Wholistic; and 8) Empowerment. Students will formulate their philosophy of Christian leadership and learn to integrate critical leadership skills into ministry settings.
This specialization consists of four courses: (1) required course (LEAD-510, Introduction to 21st Century Leadership), and any (3) Leadership electives.
In addition to the MA in Ministry learning outcomes, students with a specialization in Leadership should, with graduate-level competency, be able to:
- Formulate their philosophy of Christian leadership.
- Integrate critical leadership skills into ministry settings.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ministry major begins with completing application forms and submitting them with official transcripts and two personal recommendations. The Wesley Seminary shall determine admission status from the completed forms and student file and notify the applicant in writing of the admission status granted. Regular admission to the seminary constitutes admission to candidacy for the master’s degree. The basic criteria for regular admission to the MA program within the seminary are as follows:
- A baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or international theological accrediting associations affiliated with the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education.
- A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 from the degree granting institution.
- An official transcript from the degree granting institution.
- Two recommendations including:
- One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
- A general recommendation.
- A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one's sense of God's direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.
- A signed Ministry Context form.
Program Requirements
- Students must have completed all required courses before enrolling in the MA Capstone course (MIN-691).
- Registration in the MA Capstone will be cancelled for any students who fail to satisfactorily complete all required MA courses. All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment.
Transfer Credit
- A maximum of nine hours may be transferred from another accredited master's program, provided it falls within seven years prior to admission.
- Students who have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program to BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture, THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology, and CHST-500 Global Christian History will be allowed/encouraged to substitute an advanced Bible, theology, or church history elective.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of core requirements.
- Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
- Successful completion of the Bible Content Exam with a 70% or higher.
- All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years of enrollment.
- Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
MA Program of Study (36 Hours)
Core Courses
Practical Ministry - 3 Hours
Biblical Studies - 3 Hours
| BIBL-500 | The Bible as Christian Scripture | 3 |
Church History - 3 Hours
Theological Studies - 3 Hours
| THEO-500 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Intercultural Competency - 3 Hours
Spiritual Formation - 4 Hours
| SPIR-500 | Spiritual Formation: Change & Transformation | 1 |
| SPIR-520 | Spiritual Formation: Self Awareness & Appraisal | 1 |
| SPIR-540 | Spiritual Formation: Goal Setting & Accountability | 1 |
| SPIR-560 | Spiritual Formation: Mentoring & Spiritual Direction | 1 |
Capstone - 2 Hours
Specialization in Leadership
Specialization consists of four courses: (1) required course (
LEAD-510) and any (3) Leadership electives.
Required
| LEAD-510 | Introduction to 21st Century Leadership | 3 |
Leadership Electives
Must take at least 9 hours.
| LEAD-515 | Leadership and Personhood | 3 |
| LEAD-520 | Communication and Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD-530 | Change Agent | 3 |
| LEAD-540 | Non-Profit Management | 3 |
| LEAD-542 | Modeling and Teaching Personal Finance | 3 |
| LEAD-545 | Strategic Leadership and Management | 3 |
| LEAD-550 | Intergenerational Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD-560 | Power, Change, and Conflict Management | 3 |
| THEO-615 | Women in Leadership and the Wesleyan Tradition | 3 |
Elective
-
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
