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MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

Methodist Ministry Specialization

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.

 

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

Core Courses

Introduction to Theological Study for Ministry 3
Interpreting the Hebrew Bible 3
Interpreting the New Testament 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
Formation and Contextual Ministry (involves a ministry placement in a church or other organization based in the Wesleyan tradition) 3
Total credits in Personal and Spiritual Formation 6

Specialization Courses

Mission and Evangelism in a Globalized World

or

Evangelism and Discipleship in the Wesleyan Tradition

3
United Methodist History 3
United Methodist Theology 3
United Methodist Polity 3
Total credits in Specialization Courses 12
Vocational Role Elective* 3
Vocational Role Elective* 3

 

Integrative Seminar 

MACM Integrative Seminar: Formation and the Practice of Ministry 3
Total credits in Integrative Seminar 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. Please note, students pursuing ordination as a deacon in the Mississippi Annual Conference need two total pastoral care courses, Arkansas Annual Conference requires an additional worship course, and some other conferences (North Alabama and Tennessee) require a course in homiletics (preaching). Students should consult with the Director of the Methodist House of Studies for selecting these electives.

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.

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry prepares you for leadership in ministry wherever God calls you. This degree equips those working in non-profits, campus ministry, para-church, missions, business, or other fields.

SCHOLARSHIP

  • Critically interpret Christian scripture, history, and doctrine to inform and guide their specialized ministry.
  • Employ theological reflection and exercise skills for ministerial leadership in light of cultural contexts for the just transformation of the church and the world.

PIETY

  • Develop and sustain deeper self awareness and accountability through personal and communal relationships for sustainable ministry leadership.
  • Be open to diverse perspectives and expressions of love for God, neighbor, and the creation.

JUSTICE

  • View injustice in new and more complex ways because of transformational encounters with personal and systemic injustices.
  • Integrate their specialized ministry with critical, creative, and compassionate responses to injustice guided by religious faith.

Colloquia CreditsMACM 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 9, 2024
Fall 2024 Admission deadline for Masters & Certificate programs
August 19-22, 2024
Fall 2024 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM
August 19, 2024
First day of Fall 2024 Classes
October 1, 2024
2025-2026 FAFSA Opens
MTS School Code G10529
December 31, 2024
Spring 2025 Scholarship Application deadline
January 10, 2025
Spring 2025 Admission deadline
January 13-16, 2025
Spring 2025 Orientation and Residency I for New MDiv & MACM
January 13, 2025
First Day of Spring 2025 Classes
April 30, 2025
Admission deadline for DMin program
May 31, 2025
Fall 2025 Scholarship Application
deadline & Fall 2025 Early Admission deadline
for Masters &

Certificate programs
August 8, 2025
Fall 2025 admission deadline for Master's &
Certificate programs
HEAR WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
Admissions Department

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.

Terrick Banks

(901) 334 5804

tbanks@memphisseminary.edu

Admissions Associate/Recruiter

LaShonna Williams

(901) 334 5841

lkwilliams@memphisseminary.edu
Enrollment Services Assistant

Fekecia Gunn

(901) 334 5887

flgunn@memphisseminary.edu
Associate Dean for Students