Do you serve a local congregation or in a parachurch ministry and need to update your ministry skills or explore the ever-changing shifts in both leadership and culture? Do you love studying the Bible and desire a deeper approach to the original languages used and the cultures discussed in scripture? Are you involved in a form of non-profit or non-church-based leadership but want to learn how to lead from a Christian perspective?
If so, the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) degree in the Graduate Bible Program at Kentucky Christian University is for you! This program provides both a foundation in Biblical and theological studies while also providing a deeper exploration of professional fields in ministry such as family ministry, leadership, and preaching. In this program:
- You will develop advanced and effective communication skills.
- You will strengthen the ability to engage the increasingly complex challenges facing pastoral leadership.
- You will construct an advanced project that connects academic research with contemporary practice.
In our fully-online program, you will become part of our community, where faculty serve as mentors and guides who will walk with you through this stage of your academic journey and continued faith development.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Graduate Bible Program in Christian Leadership (MACL) is to equip students with the ability to provide quality leadership for the Church by introducing them to an advanced working knowledge of pastoral, administrative, communicative and evangelistic ministry skills in order to continue building a strong foundation for vocational ministry in the local congregational, parachurch or religiously academic context.
Delivery Model:
Online
Final Project:
Portfolio
Program Options:
- Christian Ministry
- Family Ministry
- Leadership Studies
- Missional Studies
- Preaching
Required Course Listing
Total Program Hours: 36
*Choose one concentration.
Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership
A detailed study of ethical issues encountered by ministers in providing leadership to their congregations. Questions related to human experiences with area such as medical science, human sexuality, dual relationships, conflict resolution, peace, relation to the government, segregation/prejudice, poverty and ethnic, cultural, and racial differences are addressed in the context of the Christian leader’s teaching, guidance of congregational decision making, and spiritual life of the congregation.
History of Christian Thought
An exploration of the major thinkers and controversies in the history of the church.
Introduction to Online Research
Practice accessing materials using EBSCO, ATLAS, JSTOR, and N.T. Abstracts; in collecting information; in organizing information; in formulating a thesis; and in writing a paper.
New Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in understanding the New Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the New Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the New Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the meaning of the different passages in their original settings and potential applications for contemporary society.
Old Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in studying the Old Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the Old Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the Old Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the application of their message for their day and today.
World Christianity
A critical examination of the status of Christianity in the world and its implications for American Christians and congregations. The modern reality of Christianity as a predominately non-Western religion will be reviews within its Biblical and historical contexts. Accompanying theological developments and appropriate responses will also be explored.
Ethical Foundations for Christian Leadership
A detailed study of ethical issues encountered by ministers in providing leadership to their congregations. Questions related to human experiences with area such as medical science, human sexuality, dual relationships, conflict resolution, peace, relation to the government, segregation/prejudice, poverty and ethnic, cultural, and racial differences are addressed in the context of the Christian leader’s teaching, guidance of congregational decision making, and spiritual life of the congregation.
History of Christian Thought
An exploration of the major thinkers and controversies in the history of the church.
Introduction to Online Research
Practice accessing materials using EBSCO, ATLAS, JSTOR, and N.T. Abstracts; in collecting information; in organizing information; in formulating a thesis; and in writing a paper.
New Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in understanding the New Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the New Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the New Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the meaning of the different passages in their original settings and potential applications for contemporary society.
Old Testament Research
A study of the exegetical issues involved in studying the Old Testament including historical, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as the nature of the Old Testament texts, canon, and text and versions. Includes an introduction to the books of the Old Testament by groups and individual texts with a discussion of the application of their message for their day and today.
World Christianity
A critical examination of the status of Christianity in the world and its implications for American Christians and congregations. The modern reality of Christianity as a predominately non-Western religion will be reviews within its Biblical and historical contexts. Accompanying theological developments and appropriate responses will also be explored.
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
- CMM 531
- 3hrs
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Christian Ministry Elective
- CM_ 5__
- 3hrs
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
- CMM 531
- 3hrs
Contemporary Preaching Styles
A survey of the most effective preaching styles for a post-modern culture.
Expository Preaching I
Students will develop sermons from various lengthy passages of scripture, which focus on exposition, application and illustration of the New Testament.
Expository Preaching II
A continuation in developing skill in biblical exposition of the Old Testament.
Narrative Preaching
A careful analysis of the task of preaching from story.
Rhetoric for Preaching
A study for the use of rhetorical techniques and methods in effective preaching.
Theology of Preaching
An historical, systematic, and practical theological foundation in the theory and praxis of preaching and teaching.
Contemporary Preaching Styles
A survey of the most effective preaching styles for a post-modern culture.
Expository Preaching I
Students will develop sermons from various lengthy passages of scripture, which focus on exposition, application and illustration of the New Testament.
Expository Preaching II
A continuation in developing skill in biblical exposition of the Old Testament.
Narrative Preaching
A careful analysis of the task of preaching from story.
Rhetoric for Preaching
A study for the use of rhetorical techniques and methods in effective preaching.
Theology of Preaching
An historical, systematic, and practical theological foundation in the theory and praxis of preaching and teaching.
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Christian Education For the Local Congregation
A careful study of the educational thrust of the church as seen in the scriptures. Current educational needs of the Church will be identified and processes and plans for meeting those needs developed.
- CMM 521
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Family Ministry
A study of effective strategies for the churches to help families become what God intended.
- CMM 544
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
- CMM 531
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Christian Education For the Local Congregation
A careful study of the educational thrust of the church as seen in the scriptures. Current educational needs of the Church will be identified and processes and plans for meeting those needs developed.
- CMM 521
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Family Ministry
A study of effective strategies for the churches to help families become what God intended.
- CMM 544
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
- CMM 531
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN FAMILY MINISTRY
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
Conflict Management in Ministry
A study of the effective strategies for intervention and resolution of conflicts in church and parachurch setting. Same as HCP 536.
- CMM 533
- 3hrs
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
Leadership
A study of the Biblical principles of leadership and the effective use of leadership principles and skills in the local church and other settings.
- CMM 542
- 3hrs
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
Spiritual Leadership
A study of the theology of leadership from a Christian worldview in contrast with current leadership and management paradigms.
- CMM 543
- 3hrs
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
Conflict Management in Ministry
A study of the effective strategies for intervention and resolution of conflicts in church and parachurch setting. Same as HCP 536.
- CMM 533
- 3hrs
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
Leadership
A study of the Biblical principles of leadership and the effective use of leadership principles and skills in the local church and other settings.
- CMM 542
- 3hrs
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
Spiritual Leadership
A study of the theology of leadership from a Christian worldview in contrast with current leadership and management paradigms.
- CMM 543
- 3hrs
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Effective Evangelism For the Local Congregation
A study of the Biblical imperative of evangelism in light of current opportunities and the analysis of factors that are productive for church growth.
- CMM 511
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
New Church Evangelism
New church evangelism focuses on starting new congregations primarily in western cultures. Much attention is given to spiritual principles, personnel, differing strategies, and mass communications needed for success.
- CMM 501
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Spiritual Leadership
A study of the theology of leadership from a Christian worldview in contrast with current leadership and management paradigms.
- CMM 543
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
- CMM 540
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
- CMM 541
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Effective Evangelism For the Local Congregation
A study of the Biblical imperative of evangelism in light of current opportunities and the analysis of factors that are productive for church growth.
- CMM 511
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Leadership Development In the Local Congregation
An integrated analysis of theology, organizational behavior, group process, personality theory, pastoral care, and problem solving skills designed to enhance the leadership effectiveness of participants.
- CMM 550
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
New Church Evangelism
New church evangelism focuses on starting new congregations primarily in western cultures. Much attention is given to spiritual principles, personnel, differing strategies, and mass communications needed for success.
- CMM 501
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Spiritual Leadership
A study of the theology of leadership from a Christian worldview in contrast with current leadership and management paradigms.
- CMM 543
- 3hrs
- PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- COURSE: CONCENTRATION IN MISSIONAL STUDIES
Portfolio Project
The goal of this required, no-credit experience is to integrate the skills and knowledge gained from the student’s coursework in order to demonstrate competency for Christian leadership. Those areas are: theological leadership; communicative leadership; pastoral leadership; administrative leadership; and cultural leadership. The student will submit a portfolio of artifacts gleaned from his/her coursework, which is the capstone project for the MACL and MAR degree.
Portfolio Project
The goal of this required, no-credit experience is to integrate the skills and knowledge gained from the student’s coursework in order to demonstrate competency for Christian leadership. Those areas are: theological leadership; communicative leadership; pastoral leadership; administrative leadership; and cultural leadership. The student will submit a portfolio of artifacts gleaned from his/her coursework, which is the capstone project for the MACL and MAR degree.
Additional Course Notes
Biology majors are required to complete an approved 6 hours of electives.
Graduate Program Quick Links
Prepared for the World
“KCU was more than a University, it was also a home for me. Professors didn’t just worry about my grades, but they knew about my life, provided counsel, encouraged me, and pushed me to grow. I felt that my education for ministry was amazing and really helped prepare me for ministry. A lot of my spiritual mentors have come out of KCU and also some lifelong friendships with fellow students. KCU might not be the biggest school, but it has one of the biggest hearts.”
Cady Wurtz, Class of 2017 Graduate School/em>
