Master of Arts (MA) in Christian Ministry Degree Online
Earn a Master’s in Christian Ministry Degree and Pursue Your Passion for the Gospel
Current and future lay ministers and assistant pastors are invited to apply for admission to Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree program is well-suited to individuals who wish to provide pastoral guidance and care to members of their church community.
This online ministry degree provides a comprehensive survey of the Old and New Testament foundations and the development of Christian doctrine. It examines pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You will develop your spiritual, intellectual and professional knowledge, and prepare to serve as a faithful gospel minister within your community. You will be inspired to nurture your passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and Christ-like ministerial service.
Complete your online ministry degree from anywhere. Grand Canyon University’s flexible learning path empowers you to pursue the advanced study of God’s Word while continuing to meet your current obligations. GCU’s online ministry degree is taught by fully qualified instructors who are experts in their respective fields. The Master’s in Christian Ministry requires a total of 38 credits for completion. Most online classes are eight weeks in length.
Courses in the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Degree Program
Rigorous coursework and hands-on field ministry experiences come together in this comprehensive Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree program.
Some of the core program course topics include the following:
- How to lead and organize ministries
- 21st-century ministry communication
- Pastoral Care in a Ministry Context
- Foundations of the Old and New Testament
- The importance of ministerial ethics
Through GCU’s online ministry degree coursework and thoughtful discussions, you will develop the profound theological knowledge and strength of character necessary to lead multigenerational congregations. As a modern university, GCU seeks to help you understand 21st century challenges and apply ethical principles and the rightful interpretation of Scripture to guide others in overcoming these challenges.
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Master’s in Christian Ministry Career Opportunities
The online ministry degree opens the door to various roles within a ministerial context. Graduates will possess a deep understanding of discipleship, evangelism and prayer, which empowers them to pursue a lifetime of service to others in the Christian community.
Some possible roles that may be related to this degree include a religious activities and education director, or postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher. With a thorough grounding in the Christian doctrines and well-developed communication skills, you will be prepared to lead, teach and shepherd God’s people.
Master’s in Christian Ministry Degree FAQs
To begin your career in Christian ministry, you should first consider getting your undergraduate degree in a related subject, such as a BA in Christian Ministry. If you have already completed your undergraduate degree, pursuing a master’s such as the MA in Christian Ministry is the next best step to developing your knowledge and opening career options within the church.
With this degree, you can pursue careers that allow you to provide pastoral guidance, teach others about religion and the Christian faith, along with various other opportunities within a church context. A master’s in Christian ministry sets you up to be an educator and leader in faith.
If you feel called to work within your church community, develop your understanding of faith and spread God’s word, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry could be beneficial and suitable for you and your career aspirations. Through this degree, you will gain the knowledge needed to be a valuable leader of the Christian church community.
There are no specific pre-requisite courses required for this master’s program, however there are specific graduate admissions requirements that must be met in order to be considered eligible for graduate programs.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in ministry and theology. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics along with an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of gospel ministry. Significant attention is given to self-care, personal morality, and character formation as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God’s people.
Course Description
This course is a study of the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, exegesis, and application, especially in the context of ministry, including an introduction to the use of biblical language tools.
Course Description
This course analyzes the practical dimensions of systematic theology and assists students in making critical connections between biblical teaching and ministry within specific contexts. Emphasis is placed on faithful biblically rooted ministry, including a focus on prayer, evangelism, discipleship, and church leadership. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course surveys the text and historical background of the Old Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the Old Testament.
Course Description
This course surveys the text and historical background of the New Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the New Testament.
Course Description
This course surveys cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, including revelation, God, humanity, Christ, and salvation. Emphasis is placed on the development of sound theology grounded in biblical understandings and practical wisdom for ministry. Some attention is given to the historical development of doctrine.
Course Description
This course equips students to provide effective ministry leadership in the areas of pastoral care and counseling in the local church. Emphasis is placed on caring for individuals, families, and small groups by nurturing spiritual formation with biblical wisdom. In addition, this course seeks to equip ministry leaders with skills and tools for biblical counseling. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course prepares students to address various aspects of communication in a local church ministry setting. Emphasis is placed on the various opportunities and challenges to communicate the gospel in small groups, Bible study, and discipleship programs. In addition, the course addresses the need to develop communication skills for a contemporary ministry context. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course furnishes practical training for ministry leaders. Emphasis is placed on both the leader’s personal life and the organizational dynamics of the local church. In addition, this course aims to equip church leaders to manage and lead ministries in a multicultural and multigenerational context. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.