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MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Youth and Young Adults Ministry Specialization
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Youth and Young Adults Ministry Specialization) equips students for competent leadership in ministry with young people in the church and in the world. This specialized ministry degree develops students in practical theological reflection as they develop a skill base for ministry with youth and young adults in the church and the world.
Students will be required to complete 48 graduate credit hours including a church internship in order to complete the degree in about three years of study. The curriculum reflects the mission of MTS by introducing students to theological scholarship, fostering their growth in spiritual faith and practice, and promoting the capacity to engage in ministry to young people that leads toward the just transformation of youth, the church, and the world.
Scholarship
- Ministry to young people grounded in the study and critical interpretation of scripture, history, and Christian doctrine.
- The ability to employ practical theological reflection and exercise the skills for ministry to young people in light of diverse cultural contexts.
Piety
- Deepened self-awareness and personal health through personal and communal relationships for sustainable ministry leadership.
- Increased openness to diverse perspectives and practical expressions of love for God and neighbor.
Justice
- New perspectives on the dehumanization and oppression of young people and other groups through transformative encounters with personal and systemic injustice.
- The ability to prepare young people for critical, creative, and compassionate responses to injustice guided by religious faith.
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 |
| Christian Ethics | 3 |
| Total credits in Core Courses | 18 |
Cultural Context
| Context and Models for Mission and Evangelism | 3 |
| Interfaith/Intercultural Elective (with immersion) | 3 |
| Total credits in Cultural Context | 6 |
Personal and Spiritual Formation
| Formation, Spirituality, and Ministry | 3 |
| Total credits in Personal | 3 |
Specialization Courses
| Christian Education and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| Youth and Young Adults Minister as Pastor and Leader | 3 |
| One Elective from the List Below* | 3 |
| One Elective from the List Below* | 3 |
| Total credits in Specialization Courses | 12 |
Youth and Young Adults Ministry Practicum
| Formation and Contextual Ministry | 3 |
| Total credits in Youth and Young Adults Ministry Practicum | 3 |
Free Elective
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Total credits in Free Elective | 3 |
Integrative Seminar
| MACM Integrative Seminar and Practicum Project | 3 |
| Total credits in Integrative Seminar and Practicum Project | 3 |
Total credits: 48
*Children’s Ministry, Working with Black Youth, Youth Ministry, Mobilizing for Justice: Advocacy Ministry for Children and Youth, Communicating the Gospel to Youth, Leadership Formation of Adolescents, Youth and Young Adult Formation in a Digital Age, Pastoral Care of Adolescents
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.
NOTE: 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.
Heritage
Students should be able to understand and critically interpret scripture, history, and Christian theology.
Cultural Context
Students should be able to analyze local and global contexts and respectfully explore culturally non-
dominant perspectives in light of Christian tradition.
Formation
Students should be able to show growth in personal faith, emotional maturity, and moral integrity.
Leadership
Students should be able to employ practical theological reflection and exercise skills within youth and
young adults ministry.
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 |
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
LaShonna Williams
lkwilliams@memphisseminary.edu
Enrollment Services Assistant
Fekecia Gunn
flgunn@memphisseminary.edu
Associate Dean for Students