The specializations 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 adviser who will guide the student in course selections so that those reflect the specialized ministry in which the student chooses to focus.

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry offers specializations within different areas.  All specializations share the common core of required courses in Bible, theology, and church history, along with requirements in the areas of the social context for ministry and the practice of ministry.  The latter requirements are shaped with regard to the student’s specialization and include practicum and immersion components

The Methodist Ministry specialization provides the basic educational requirements for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church or for local pastors pursuing ordination as an elder through the Advanced Course of Study of the United Methodist Church (The 2016 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church ¶ 324.6.d.). It is also an excellent specialization for any student wanting to deepen their understanding of Methodism. The course of study offers students a background in theology, biblical studies, Methodist doctrine, history, and polity, along with practical ministry courses such as evangelism and worship. MACM students pursuing ordination in The United Methodist Church do so under the oversight of the Methodist House of Studies at MTS.

“Deacons are clergy leaders who are called by God, authorized by the church and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion and justice. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of the needy, neglected and marginalized of the world.

Deacons are clergy leaders who are called by God, authorized by the church and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion and justice. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, nurture others in their relationship to God and lead church people to respond to the needs of the needy, neglected and marginalized of the world.

In the congregation, deacons teach, preach, officiate at funerals and weddings, offer pastoral care, assist the elder in administering Baptism and Holy Communion, lead discipleship development ministries and help lay people identify and claim their own ministries. Deacons lead the congregation in its servant ministry and equip and support all baptized Christians in their ministry. Through the Order of Deacons, The United Methodist Church affirms this historic, central and distinct ministry.

Outside the walls of the church, deacons share the good news in word and in their advocacy for the poor, neglected, oppressed and discouraged; provide ministries of mercy; and invite Christians into these ministries.”

—The General Board of Higher Education Ministries of the United Methodist Church

MACM students pursuing ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church (and MDiv students pursuing ordination as either an elder or a deacon in the United Methodist Church) do so under the oversight of the Methodist House of Studies at MTS.

Click here for information about required courses for ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church that will be used to satisfy the course requirements for the MACM.