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The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry prepares persons to serve as lay leaders, deacons, or directors in specialized forms of ministry. The course of study is designed to integrate biblical and theological studies with practical training for a specialized ministry. The MACM curriculum reflects the mission of MTS by introducing students to theological scholarship, fostering spiritual growth, and preparing them for a specialized ministry in a variety of contexts for the just transformation of the church and the world.
The MACM may be pursued within one of two paradigms with different sets of requirements: 1) the choice of a specialization among Christian Education, Social Justice, Methodist Ministry, Chaplain Studies, and 2) the Youth and Young Adults Ministry Track. (See Specializations tab for information about each program.)
Students finish their studies with an Integrative Seminar/Project which demonstrates the integration of Scholarship, Piety, and Justice in a specialized ministry. The MACM requires a minimum of two years of study. Candidates for the order of deacon in the United Methodist Church can meet ordination requirements with this degree.
The specializations and the Youth and Young Adults Ministry track for the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) degree program have been designed in light of the mission of Memphis Theological Seminary and the strengths of the faculty.
Students will be assigned a faculty advisor who will guide the student in course selections so that those reflect the specialized ministry in which the student chooses to focus. In addition to the Integrative Seminar, students will have 21 hours of coursework in their area of specialization.
Click on each specialization for more information about the design of the program.
1. The Christian Education specialization is intended for those preparing for ministry as directors and teachers of Christian Education within congregational and other settings.
2. The Social Justice specialization is intended for those preparing for ministry with persons and organizations addressing systemic injustice.
3. The Methodist Ministry specialization provides the basic educational requirements for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. It also allows for Methodist students to use this specialization for alternative pathways.
4. The Chaplain Studies specialization allows students who are interested in pursuing the call to ministry as a chaplain to deepen their theological preparation and practical skills in hospitals, other health care facilities, prisons, the military, or the workplace.
The Youth and Young Adults Ministry track, which features a different paradigm of course requirements than the specializations, equips students for competent leadership in ministry with young people in the church and in the world.
Core Courses
| Interpreting the Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| Interpreting the New Testament | 3 |
| Introduction to Theological Study for Ministry | 3 |
| Christian Heritage I | 3 |
| Christian Heritage II | 3 |
| Total credits in Core Courses | 15 |
Cultural Context
| Context and Models for Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
| Interfaith and Intercultural Elective (with immersion) or Christian Ethics | 3 |
| Total credits in Cultural Context | 6 |
Personal and Spiritual Formation
| Formation, Spirituality, and Ministry | 3 |
| Total credits in Personal and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Electives in Specified Areas of Study
| Interfaith/Intercultural (IFC)(with immersion) | 3 |
|
Practice of Ministry (PC/PM/EM/WP) |
3 |
| Practice of Ministry (PC/PM/EM/WP)(with field education or practicum) | 3 |
| Specialized Ministry Practicum | 3 |
| Total credits in Specialization Courses | 12 |
Free Electives
| Free Elective | 3 |
|
Free Elective |
3 |
|
Free Elective |
3 |
|
Total credits in Free Electives |
9 |
Integrative Seminar
| MACM Integrative Seminar and Practicum Project | 3 |
| Total credits in Integrative Seminar and Practicum Project | 3 |
Total credits: 48
Note: Within the area of specialization no more than three courses may transfer in from another accredited seminary.
*Elective should be chosen consistent with the student’s intended vocational role.
Degree requirements listed here are for overview purposes only. Official degree requirements are found in the most current Academic Catalog or on current degree sheets.
Colloquia Credits: MACM students are required to earn 6 theological colloquia credits. The colloquia are administration and faculty-approved events held on campus or other events approved by the student’s faculty adviser.
Required GPA for Graduation: Students are required to maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average.
Requirements for Ordination: Memphis Theological Seminary offers additional courses that meet ordination requirements for certain denominations. Students seeking ordination should consult their denomination officials to ascertain current requirements and procedures.
Important Admission and Financial Aid dates
NOTICE: If you intend to apply for scholarships as an incoming student you MUST meet the early application deadline.
August 13, 2023
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August 14, 2023
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August 23, 2023
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October 1, 2023 |
December 31, 2023 Spring 2024 Scholarship Application deadline & Spring 2024 Early Admission deadline |
January 2, 2024 Spring 2024 Admission deadline |
| January 15, 2024 Spring 2024 New Student Orientation |
January 24, 2024 First Day of Spring 2024 Classes |
April 30, 2024 Admission deadline for DMin program |
| May 31, 2024 Fall 2024 Scholarship Application deadline & Fall 2024 Early Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 1, 2024 Fall 2024 Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs |
August 13, 2024 Fall 2024 New Student Orientation |
We appreciate your interest in Memphis Theological Seminary. The MTS admissions staff is committed to supporting you in your theological journey. We are here to help you while you are discerning your call, considering degree and certificate options, and supporting you as you do ministry in the real world. At MTS we are committed to educating and sustaining men and women for ordained and lay ministry in the church and the world through shaping and inspiring lives devoted to scholarship, piety, and justice. Please don’t hesitate to ask how we can assist you along in your journey.
Rev. Dr. Barry Anderson
(901) 334-5806
Latasha Phillips
(901) 334-5841