Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
What Is a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership?
Find yourself challenged and inspired by biblical education. Your learning will be shaped by Scripture, conversant in church and world history, and applicable to your area of ministry.
Take on one of eight tailored concentrations, curated for your calling, or customize your concentration:
- Advanced Urban Ministry
- Bible Instruction
- Discipleship and Faith Formation
- Missional Ministry
- Organizational Management and Administration
- Pastoral Ministry
- Pastoral Care
- Worship
You’ll become functionally equipped to deepen your kingdom work. Plus, with distance learning options, you can stay in your ministry while getting more out of it.
What Can I Do with an MA in Christian Leadership Degree?
Our MA in Christian Leadership graduates are impacting a wide spectrum of fields, from churches and ministries to schools, businesses, and nonprofits.
Our Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership has been designed with the current and future ministry practitioner in mind. This program packs a lot into just 39 credits, preparing you for your calling.
MA Christian Leadership Degree Courses & Credit Hours
Take 39 credits that explore Christian foundations broadly, as well as your specific area of ministry.
An introduction to basic principles for interpreting the Bible in the Reformed tradition. This course initiates the student in the fundamental task of a doing a responsible and relevant interpretation of the biblical text. Thus, the course aims to familiarize us with the indispensable abilities to hear attentively the Word of God and obey it.
The process of spiritual formation is intentionally engaged so that habits developed through theological education will form students holistically for ministry.
Bible Survey (3)
Digital Bible Tools for Teaching and Preaching (1)
Great Books in Ministry (2)
Formation Group (4)
Contextual Ministry Internship (2)
Capstone: MA Portfolio (1)
Introduces Reformed theology through a study of confessions, from the Reformation era (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort) and the more recent past (Contemporary Testimony, Belhar Confession), and through the basic elements of the Reformed worldview grounded in this confessional theology.
Apologetics (2)
Christian Engagement with World Religions (3)
Systematic Theology I or II (3)
Church in Historical Context I or II (3)
Old Testament or New Testament Elective (3)
Ethics and the Christian Life trains students in a Christ-centered understanding of the moral life, which it presents as the practice of following Christ in obedience, love, service and suffering, as individuals and as the church, witnessing to the gospel in every area of life. It prepares students to practice, teach, and apply this Christ-centered ethic in various contexts of ministry.
Additional Electives to equal 39 credits (39)
Old Testament or New Testament Elective (3)
Church in Historical Context I or II (3)
Systematic Theology I or II (3)
Discipleship and Teaching (2)
Youth and Family Ministry (2)
Electives in education and discipleship, or selected courses in worship or pastoral care (4)
Introduction to Missional Ministry (2)
Evangelis & Cross-Cultural Ministry (2)
Christian Engagement with World Religions (3)
Discipleship and Teaching (2)
Foundations for Pastoral Care (3)
Pastoral Disciplines for Counseling Ministry (3)
Evangelism & Cross-Cultural Ministry (2)
Preaching Theory and Methods (2)
Foundations for Pastoral Care (3)
Discipleship and Teaching (2)
Forming Worshiping Communities (2)
Forming Worshiping Communities (2)
Worship Electives (6)
On Campus & Online
This program is offered in online, hybrid, and residential formats. Through the path of your choice, you’ll be empowered to learn, grow, and enrich your ministry—all within a theologically rich community of students, professors, and mentors.
Reformed Tradition
Calvin educates students within the Reformed tradition of Christianity, and is the official seminary for the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). The majority of students studying with the seminary are not members of the CRCNA. All Christ followers and seekers are welcome here.
Vocational Formation & Contextual Learning
Calvin’s vocational formation services are available to you as a seminary student. Further your leadership through assessment, contextual learning, mentorship, and more.
Finishing Your Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Program
How Long Does It Take to Receive an MA in Christian Leadership Degree?
The program takes 2–3 years to complete.
Program Outcomes
Through the Master of Arts in Christian leadership program, you’ll be empowered to learn, grow, and enrich your ministry—all within a theologically rich community of students, professors, and mentors. You will leave seminary well-connected and confident in your abilities to impact your field through Christian leadership.
How to Apply
Our application is simple and straightforward—and ready for you to begin today. Start the guided application process now. We’re here to help, every step of the way.
A wide range of scholarships are available to Calvin Theological Seminary students. Our financial aid team works with you to create a customized plan to fund your graduate study.
Application Requirements
Admission Deadlines
Applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis, but international students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to coordinate travel and immigration logistics.
The following are general application deadline guidelines:
Fall Term
- March 1: Apply for this date to be considered for the first round of scholarship awarding. Note: If you miss this date it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t receive a scholarship, but you may miss the first round of awarding.
- July 1: North American student deadline
- June 1: International student deadline
Spring Term
- November 15
Summer Term
- April 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply Now
Ready to begin your graduate school journey? Study with the trusted professors and welcoming student community of Calvin Theological Seminary. Apply now to pursue a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership.
Get to Know Calvin Theological Seminary
Meet Your Faculty
Faculty at Calvin Theological Seminary carry out the seminary’s mission as inspiring thought leaders, invested teachers and mentors, and committed followers of Christ.
Student Stories
Past graduates have applied their learning to a variety of ministry-based opportunities. Here are some of their stories.
Academic Support
In addition to contextual learning, the Vocational Formation Office offers students other forms of support, including formation groups with peers, vocational mentors, and assessment tools to help students identify and cultivate their strengths.