Master of Arts: Leadership and Formation: Youth, Children and Family Ministry Specialization

The Master of Arts: Leadership and Formation offers a specialization in Youth, Children and Family Ministry that is designed for women and men in ministry contexts both inside and outside the local church. Students in this fully online program may work as associate, youth, children, or family ministers; parachurch ministry directors; in other youth-serving organizations; denominational and university departments; missions; and in urban or rural environments. Students in this program complete eight four-credit courses, 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)