Master of Arts: Leadership and Formation: Spiritual Formation Specialization

The Master of Arts: Leadership and Formation offers a specialization in Spiritual Formation that is designed for pastors and Christian leaders. This fully online program is built on a Wesleyan approach to spiritual formation with particular attention given to the role of the minister as a spiritual guide and mentor. Pastors and Christian leaders will establish both a theological and practical foundation for providing spiritual direction and leadership to others. Students in this program complete eight four-credit courses over the span of four semesters, plus two two-credit supervised ministry courses that must be completed near the end of the student's program, scheduled in consultation with the program coordinator.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The graduate understands and is able to explain Wesleyan-Holiness theology as it relates to Scripture, Christian tradition, reason, and experience in the practice of ministry. (RH)
2. The graduate identifies characteristics of the cultural context of ministry and assesses them through an appropriate theological perspective, compares existing cultures with alternative cultural expressions, and develops personal and corporate practices consistent with the reign of God. (CC)
3. The graduate practices the means of grace (spiritual disciplines) that lead to emotional and spiritual health, personal Christian virtue, and responsible social engagement. (PSF)
4. The graduate integrates Christian theological themes in the understanding and practice of ministry and leadership. (MPL)
5. The graduate understands the historic interplay between cultural, philosophical, and theological shifts that inform Christian ministry practice. (RH)
6. The graduate engages the social context from the perspective of Christian mission to articulate and embody the gospel of Christ. (CC)
7. The graduate utilizes insights of missional leadership to evaluate and assess congregational contexts and move persons and congregations toward practices consistent with a Wesleyan-Holiness theology. (PSF)
8. The graduate understands and is able to explain God's mission in the midst of a dynamic and changing world. (MPL)