Christian Education M.Div. Specialization
Degree Overview
Vocational Calling
To be pastors, associate pastors, ministers of education, ministers of discipleship, assimilation, or maturity, or other age-level church staff members, offering over 30 hours of specialized study in age group ministry.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Adam Hughes (Curriculum Coordinator)
Dr. Randy Stone (Specialization Advisor)
Basic Ministerial Component (63-65 hours)
Biblical Exposition Competency (15 hours)
Course | Hours |
|---|---|
Exploring the Old Testament | 3 |
Exploring the New Testament | 3 |
Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 |
Old Testament Exegesis (English) OR Intro to Hebrew Grammar | 3 |
New Testament Exegesis (English) OR Intro to Greek Grammar | 3 |
Christian Theological Heritage Competency (10-11 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Systematic Theology 1 | 3 |
Systematic Theology 2 | 3 |
History of Christianity: Early-Medieval OR History of Christianity: Reformation to Modern | 3 OR 2 |
Baptist Heritage | 2 |
NOBTS, SBC, and Cooperative Program | * |
Disciple Making Competency (9 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Supervised Ministry 1: Personal Evangelism Practicum (M) | 2 |
Church Evangelism (M) | 2 |
Christian Missions (M) | 3 |
Discipleship Strategies (M) | 2 |
Interpersonal Skills Competency (4-5 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Interpersonal Relationship Skills | 2 |
Counseling in Ministry | 2 |
Servant Leadership Competency (8 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Supervised Ministry 2: Ministry Practicum (M) | 2 |
Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
Church Leadership and Administration (M) | 3 |
Spiritual and Character Formation Competency (4 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Christian Ethics | 3 |
Introduction to Spiritual Formation (M) | 1 |
Worship Leadership Competency (8 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Worship Leadership | 3 |
Teaching the Bible | 3 |
Teaching Practicum (M) | 2 |
Free Electives (5 Hours)
Christian Education Specialization Component (21 hours)
Christian Education Core (12 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Foundations of Christian Education | 3 |
Lifespan Development | 3 |
Lifespan Discipleship | 3 |
Disciplemaking through Small Group Ministry | 3 |
Discipleship and Ministry Leadership Concentrations*** (9 hours)
Generalist: Any 9 hours of Christian Education, Discipleship or Ministry Leadership electives.
Concentration: See the list of concentrations and associated courses in the MACE Degree
Total Required: 84-86 hours
(M) Indicates course is also available in a mentoring format.
***Christian Education Concentrations
Students should consult with a faculty advisor for guidance in choosing electives that best fit personal educational and vocational goals. Other courses may be substituted upon approval by the Discipleship and Ministry Leadership Division Chair. Check with the Curriculum Coordinator or the Concentration Advisor for more information on acceptable courses. Students seeking admission into PhD program and major in Christian Education or Christian Leadership will need specific courses to avoid leveling work.
Concentrations are available in Adult Ministry Leadership, Children’s Ministry Leadership, Collegiate Ministry Leadership, Educational Foundations/Doctoral Studies Preparation, Leadership and Administration, Social Work, Women’s Ministry Leadership, and Youth Ministry Leadership. A description of these concentrations can be found in the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) section. See specific required courses and electives for each concentration under the MACE listings.
**Students choosing a Social Work concentration must take Introduction to Social Work as an elective.
*All graduate students must take this course during orientation in their first semester; however, students will not receive a credit hour or be charged for the course.