Are you involved in a non-ministry profession yet called to serve in some form of part-time or volunteer ministry? Do you love studying and teaching 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 Religion (MACR) degree in the Graduate Bible Program at Kentucky Christian University is for you! This program provides both a foundation in Biblical and theological and ministry studies for those who find themselves engaging in ministry leadership in non-ministry fields, are coming to ministry as a second career, or are engaged in non-professional forms of ministry and desire additional education. In this program:
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.
If so, the Master of Arts in Religion (MACR) degree in the Graduate Bible Program at Kentucky Christian University is for you! This program provides both a foundation in Biblical and theological and ministry studies for those who find themselves engaging in ministry leadership in non-ministry fields, are coming to ministry as a second career, or are engaged in non-professional forms of ministry and desire additional education. In this program:
- The develop an advanced knowledge base of general theological studies.
- To integrate vocational experience with academic training for preparation or continued involvement in congregational leadership, including preaching and teaching, congregational administration and pastoral care.
- To cultivate critical thinking skills through the development of a portfolio that demonstrates professional competency.
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 purpose of the MAR program is to provide a generalist academic degree which allows the student to survey Biblical Studies, theology, and ministry.
The program is best suited for the following students (our primary target audience):
- Those who plan to pursue further study in another professional field but who wish a foundation in Biblical Studies before entering other graduate studies or their career.
- Those already in a career (e.g. lawyers, business persons, and school teachers) who wish to study Biblical and Theological issues to enhance themselves intellectually and or in a lay leadership or church ministry.
- Those involved in congregational or parachurch leadership who wish to strengthen their ability to serve in lay leadership or church ministry.
Required Course Listing
Total Program Hours: 36
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.
Elective
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
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.
Contemporary Preaching Styles
A survey of the most effective preaching styles for a post-modern culture.
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
Administration and Marketing
A study of effective leadership in making known the ministry of your church or other organization.
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.
Contemporary Preaching Styles
A survey of the most effective preaching styles for a post-modern culture.
Discipleship
Students will be introduced to the many facets of Biblical, theological, and personal discipleship as well as discipling those in the local church.
Minister as Pastoral Care Leader
Introduction to the shepherding process in scripture and training in pastoral skills specifically identified with the local church ministry.
Apologetics
A study of the reasoned responses of Christians to objections to the Christian faith.
Systematic Theology
An advanced study of the divine revelation arranged topically and with careful comparison of contemporary religious interpretations.
Apologetics
A study of the reasoned responses of Christians to objections to the Christian faith.
Systematic Theology
An advanced study of the divine revelation arranged topically and with careful comparison of contemporary religious interpretations.
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.
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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>
