Master of Arts in Discipleship and Christian Formation

The Master of Arts in Discipleship and Christian Formation degree is a professional degree designed to prepare men and women for specialized ministries in the church’s mission of making disciples. The degree is intended for persons desiring to serve local congregations as an Associate Pastor, Minister of Education, Minister of Discipleship, Minister of Youth, Minister of Children, Minister of Families, Minister of Singles, or any combination of the above. It is also designed for persons who will be responsible for mentoring and training church leaders through theological education (including day schools, Bible Institutes, Christian colleges, and Theological Education by Extension) and for persons desiring to serve in denominational ministries for Youth and Christian Education. The program consists of courses in (1) basic theological education, (2) personal formation for ministry, (3) core studies in discipleship and Christian formation, and (4) an approved concentration for ministry focus.

Objectives of the Degree

The Master of Arts in Discipleship and Christian Formation is designed to prepare women and men for professional ministry in the area of discipleship and Christian formation. Graduates of the program should:

Personal Formation

1. 1. Have an established testimony of personal discipleship demonstrated in commitment to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ as expressed through the exercise of spiritual disciplines, submission to the authority of the Scriptures, surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit, unity with the Body of Christ, and faithful stewardship in a local congregation.
2. 2. Be able to “rightly divide the Word of Truth” through the proper application of the inductive approach to Bible study.

Steadfastness in the traditions of the faith

1. 3. Be able to tell the story of the Christian people.
2. 4. Be able to articulate the historic doctrines of the Christian faith and to communicate the unique contributions of the Wesleyan-Pentecostal expression of that faith.
3. 5. Be able to describe the origin, preservation, structure and essential content of the Old and New Testaments.

Theology of ministry

1. 6. Be able to defend a biblically, historically, and doctrinally informed, understanding of:
1. a. ministry
2. b. the foundational processes of Christian discipleship and formation, and
3. c. the nature and mission of the church.

Ministry skills

1. 7. Be able to lead others in direct study of the Scriptures in a small group context.
2. 8. Be able to describe the patterns of human growth and development throughout the stages of life and to apply that information to the interpretation of individual discipleship needs.
3. 9. Be able to mentor others in Christian discipleship.
4. 10. Be able to critically assess strengths and weaknesses of the discipleship ministry of congregations.
5. 11. Be able to lead a congregation in the development and administration of a comprehensive program of discipleship ministries.
6. 12. Be able to demonstrate competence in a chosen area of ministry focus.