Mission Statement
The Christian Ministry faculty of Missouri Baptist University desires to assist churches in developing leaders with Christ-like characteristics so that they can extend Christ-like influence, by providing majors, minors, and certificates which are foundational and practical. This course of study has been designed in an effort to emphasize applicability to life, orientation toward the church, and fidelity to the biblical revelation. In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University and the academic program, the Christian Ministry faculty provides curriculum leading to general education and degree requirements as well as major and minor programs of study in the disciplines of Apologetic Studies, Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Christian Ministry, Christian Studies, Church Planting, Ministry and Leadership, and Pastoral Ministries.
Overview
Applicability to Life
The intellectual discipline of theology has often been separated from the experience of human life which is lived before God. The ultimate concern of theology should be with God in his relationship with humans, and thus with human life as it is lived before God, hence one’s life as lived unto God. Theological study should involve not only correct thinking about God but also good living before God. It should involve a consideration of the question, “How can we use what we learn to glorify God, to live well before him, to do his will, to cause his name to be honored in the world, and to enjoy him?”
Orientation toward the Church
Theological study has been relegated to the academy and is often divorced from the life of the church. At a distance of two millennia from the New Testament era, there may indeed be a need for special training for those who minister the Word of God; but the New Testament itself does not envision any locus for such training apart from the local congregation. In a time when professionalization and academic credentials are emphasized, the study of theology needs to be undertaken as an adjunct of church life, with a concern for the church, and with the goal of feeding theological truth back into the church.
Fidelity to the Biblical Revelation
Modern theological study has often taken its cues from the surrounding culture instead of occupying the ground established by divine revelation and thus speaking an alien word to the culture. In recent times this has meant surrendering the concept of “truth” and acceding to the relativism of modern thought, relegating “religion” to the realm of subjective personal preference. In contrast, the core of a common Christian theology must be seen as the expression of divinely-revealed truth, valid for and making claims upon all people.
Division of Humanities Master’s Degrees and Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates may be earned in Apologetic Studies, Biblical Counseling, Biblical Languages, Church Planting, and Pastoral Ministries. These certificates are already packaged as an emphasis for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program. Students currently pursuing the full MACM degree cannot pursue any of the five Graduate Certificates. If a student earns one of these Graduate Certificates and later chooses to pursue the full MACM, they must choose an emphasis in a different discipline. All 12 hours for any of the five Graduate Certificates must be completed at MBU. Students must earn at least three final grades of A or B, and no final grade lower than a C in the four courses that make up their chosen certificate.
Certificates
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
