The M.A. Christian Ministry in African American Church Leadership program is an advanced degree for persons interested in furthering their ministerial education, primarily in the practical and educational disciplines of leadership and administration, age-related ministries, pastoral ministry and counseling, evangelism, and missions. The non-thesis track allows students who elect not to complete a Master of Divinity the opportunity to gain additional ministry training while actively serving in a local Christian ministry. It may also provide interested students an avenue for additional study in the practical ministry disciplines.
The thesis track substantively prepares the student for work on more advanced degrees, such as the Ph.D. or Th.D. in practical ministry discipline, with the addition of a research thesis. (Note, however, that the Doctor of Ministry degree requires a Master of Divinity.) Students considering a career teaching at the college or seminary level should understand that the M.A. in Christian Ministry is a step toward the academic credentials required for college or seminary teaching positions.
Wayland Baptist University affirms the significance of the institution known as the African American church and has committed itself to the preparation of church leaders with the knowledge and skills for effective ministry in and with the African American church. Wayland’s African American Church Leadership program seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of African American religious experiences as well as prepare for leadership in the African American church by exploring courses in pastoral care, pastoral leadership, urban ministry and an historical/theological understanding of the Black Church.
Graduates of the M.A. Christian Ministry in African American Church Leadership gain skills necessary to 1) engage cultural exegesis; 2) provide pastoral care in the African American Church context; 3) provide pastoral leadership in the African American Church context; 4) bridge the historical and contemporary Black Church; 5) conduct research in and develop ministerial strategies for African American church leadership.
To help students to be good stewards of their financial resources, the School of Christian Studies proudly offers an accelerated B.C.M. Christian Ministry to M.A. Christian Ministry program for students who apply as undergraduates. The accelerated program can reduce the financial cost for the student by reducing the time required to complete a master’s degree.
Program
The non-thesis track is 42 hours for students with no undergraduate work in Christian studies. The thesis track includes an additional 6 hours of graduate work. Up to 12 hours of foundations courses may be waived in either track for applicants who have relevant academic background in Christian studies.
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