Master of Arts - Ministry - Specialization in Spiritual Formation
The Spiritual Formation specialization prepares students to interpret current and emerging spiritual trends and practices in light of Christian theologies of spiritual formation. Students will also formulate strategies for embodied Christian spiritual practices.
Students may fulfill the requirements of this 12-hour specialization by taking the (3) required core courses and any (1) of the list of core electives.
In addition to the MA in Ministry learning outcomes, students with a specialization in Spiritual Formation should, with graduate-level competency, be able to:
- Interpret current and emerging spiritual trends and practices in light of Christian theologies of spiritual formation.
- Formulate strategies for embodied Christian spiritual practices.
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 Spiritual Formation
This specialization consists of three required courses and one from the list of electives.
Required
Spiritual Formation Electives
Choose one.
| SPIR-575 | Spiritual Retreat for the Leader | 3 |
| SPIR-610 | New Monasticism and Renewal Movements in The Wesleyan Tradition for the 21st Century | 3 |
| THEO-545 | Holiness and Christian Ethics | 3 |
| THEO-546 | Popular Culture and Christian Imagination | 3 |
| THEO-586 | The Theology of John Wesley | 3 |
| THEO-610 | Lyrical Theology of Charles Wesley | 3 |
| LEAD-515 | Leadership and Personhood | 3 |
| MIN-520 | Psalms | 3 |
| BIBL-525 | Bible Storytelling | 3 |
| INST-580 | Cross-Cultural Discipleship | 3 |
Elective
-
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
