Master of Arts in Christian Studies

This 50-credit hour degree requires completion of the program under supervision of the faculty with the encouragement of fellow students and mentors.  Students who are admitted to this program, having already completed the graduate certificate can apply those credits within this program, reducing the required number of credits for completing the Master of Arts to 38 credits.

Theology Courses
The Apostle’s Creed (3 Credits)
Building Your Theology (2 Credits)
We Believe in God (2 Credits)
We Believe in the Holy Spirit (2 Credits)
We Believe in Jesus (3 Credits)
What is Man? (3 credits)
Your Kingdom Come: Eschatology (2 Credits)
Making Biblical Decisions (3 Credits)
Discipleship Practicums (3 Credits) (Practices of Discipleship may be divided into 3 – 1 hour practicums)
Capstone (1 Credit),
Total Credits-24

The Discipleship practicums will each be provided with a different focus and ministry project: 1) worship, the ministries of Liturgy, Word and Sacraments; 2) nurture, the ministries of Christian fellowship, education, and spiritual care; and, 3) witness – the practices of outreach, advocacy and diaconal service.

The Capstone Portfolio and Presentation will revisit key assessments throughout the Bible and Theology curriculum, as well as each discipleship practicum and its ministry project. Each student’s portfolio collection, analysis and presentation will address three research questions. Each question, articulated by the student, must arise from each of three, primary resources for ministry: 1) Scripture; 2) the practices of Christian Life in Christ’s Social Body; and 3) the cultural moment and place in which the student is primarily called to serve. The student’s Capstone presentation will culminate with an articulation of their call to follow Christ, the key themes and practices they fell called to focus on, and an explanation of why in relation to Scripture and their cultural context.

We believe the church needs Spirit-gifted leaders who translate the church’s texts and traditions through words and deeds into their own cultural and relational contexts, leaders who are missionaries equipping missionary churches, that imitate Christ in their love for God and neighbors. These are the kinds of graduates our programs are designed to produce through a unique partnership between classrooms and congregations, between faculties and field-based Christian leaders.

Be sure and contact your ordaining body to find out their specific requirements. Typically, they will have a general curriculum that provides guidelines for those who are preparing for ordination. Thirdmill Seminary’s curriculum is designed to provide instruction in the Bible and Christian theology. We believe that the local and/or regional church body is in the best position to supervise and evaluate the formation of ministry skills in candidates for ordination.