Master of Arts in Religion
Lamoni, USA
MA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: The Master of Arts in Religion at Community of Christ Seminary is a 34 graduate semester hours degree for bi-vocational and professional ministers. It covers scripture, history, theology, leadership, peace and justice, with concentrations in Theology, Spiritual Leadership, Peace and Justice. Courses combine theory and practical ministry. Online with a face-to-face week in Independence, Missouri.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue career opportunities as pastors, chaplains, nonprofit directors, religious educators, mission leaders, peace advocates, or seminary faculty and doctoral candidates. They work in churches, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and ministry, applying skills in biblical studies, leadership, spiritual formation, reconciliation, and social justice.
The Master of Arts in Religion (34 graduate semester hours) at Community of Christ Seminary is designed for bi-vocational ministers who want to deepen their understanding of faith and ministry and transform the community, as well as for professional ministers preparing to lead others in discipleship and mission. It builds a strong foundation of formation in Christian scripture, tradition, and mission and offers three concentrations for focused development: Christian Theology, Spiritual Leadership, Peace, and Justice. This degree provides a strong academic foundation in biblical studies, Christian history, theology, leadership, peace, and justice. These subjects offer essential preparation for Christian ministry and/or doctoral study in religion.
The Master of Arts in Religion provides a unique blend of religious theory and practical studies that can meet the needs of students with a variety of learning objectives. The classes in the program will be offered either totally online or online with a face-to-face session at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri during the fourth week. The faculty is composed of scholars and professionals in the field of religion with academic and applied backgrounds to make the study of religion stimulating and worthwhile.
Why Choose Graceland
- An approach to curriculum, teaching, and the seminary’s community life that enhances and integrates the intellectual, personal, professional, and spiritual growth of students
- A dynamic relationship of research, consultation, and learning with local church congregations and denominational jurisdictions at all levels
- A proclaiming community of faith and learning inclusive of women and men who are diverse in ethnic, economic, social, and national background
- The preparation of the Christian leaders for mission through ministries of proclamation, justice, peace, and reconciliation in religious, educational, political, and public settings
Core Curriculum 22 hours
- RELG5011 Christian Theology – 3
- RELG5040 New Testament – Gospels and Acts 3
- RELG5060 History of Christian Thought I – 3
- *RELG5350 Community of Christ History and Scripture – 3
- *RELG5360 Community of Christ Theology and Scripture – 3
- RELG6240 Contemporary Culture and Theologies – 3
- RELG6500 Portfolio – 1
- RELG6900 Advanced Topics in Practical Ministry – 1-3
Complete all of one specific concentration: 12 hours
Christian Theology
- RELG5022 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible – 3
- RELG5050 New Testament – Letters and Apocalypse – 3
- RELG6050 Christology and Liberation – 3
- RELG6070 History of Christian Thought II – 3
Spiritual Leadership
- RELG5435 Integrated Leadership – 3
- RELG5440 Spiritual Formation and Transformation – 3
- RELG6245 Transformational Leadership – 3
- RELG6250 Community Building and Diversity – 3
Peace and Justice
- RELG5445 Theology of Peace – 3
- RELG5450 Philosophy of Peacebuilding – 3
- RELG6255 Social Justice: Ethics, Ecology, and Peace – 3
- RELG6260 Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice – 3
*Students from other denominations may substitute approved denomination-specific coursework.
