This fall, Talbot will be offering a new concentration under the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership (MACML). Named after the degree program, the concentration in Christian ministry and leadership is a “flexible” track that offers students elective course options that are most relevant to their current or future ministry context.

What distinguishes the MACML from Talbot’s other master’s programs — which also focus on certain aspects of pastoral ministry and leadership — is that it can be tailored to fit the student’s particular ministry context — present and or future. In addition to this newest concentration, students in the MACML program can select from two other concentrations: pastoral care and counseling, and preaching and pastoral ministry. Not all students desire to be preaching or counseling pastors, but every leader should have a solid biblical and theological foundation and the necessary skills to serve and lead with excellence. Talbot’s new concentration option is designed to equip students who are, or desire to be, pastors and church leaders in associate roles, such as administrative leadership, children’s ministry, youth ministry, small groups, etc., or are serving in parachurch leadership.

The MACML with a concentration in Christian ministry and leadership is a 49-credit program designed to prepare and equip church and parachurch leaders with the biblical and theological knowledge and ministry skills necessary to serve with excellence in a student’s particular context of ministry. These skills include, but are not limited to, teaching, leadership, management, cultural engagement and cross-cultural ministry.

In addition to the biblical and theological studies courses and spiritual formation courses that are foundational to every Talbot degree, students who select this concentration are able to choose two electives in each of the following areas:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Evangelism, Missions & Intercultural Ministry
  • Ministry Skills

In each of these three areas, there are 6 to 9 courses from which students can select the two most relevant courses for their particular ministry focus. While all of the classes are offered residentially, more than half are currently offered in an online format, with hopes that it will be fully online by fall 2021.

For more information about the master’s program in Christian ministry and leadership, visit biola.edu/christian-ministry-and-leadership-ma. For more about Talbot’s other academic programs, including its newest program launching this fall in marriage and family therapy, visit biola.edu/talbot/academics. 

Why study Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot? 

  • Be equipped to practically apply theology to your ministry
  • Tailor your degree for personalized learning
  • Learn from the Bible experts
  • Build and broaden your professional network