Tim McAlpine, PhD, Chair, Humanities and Fine Arts Division
Center for Global Citizenship - Room 106 
(270) 384-8081 mcalpine@lindsey.edu

 Terry Swan, DMin, Coordinator, Graduate Program in Christian Leadership
John B. Begley Chapel Office Complex
Phone (270) 384-8148  swant@lindsey.edu

 The mission of the M.A. in Christian Leadership coincides with the stated purpose of the UMC Board of Higher Education and Ministry which is to "develop the next generation of Christian leaders." The M.A. program is intentionally broad and ecumenical, empowering graduates to become leaders in a variety of church-related occupations.  Employment opportunities exist within the local church as pastors, student ministry leaders, or directors of Christian Education in church extension ministries or parachurch organizations.

  Admission to the Program

An applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or above. 

Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministries, Christian Education, Bible, or Religion or have earned a minor in Christian Ministries at LWC are exempt from taking RELI 5013 or 5023.  Applicants with a background in one of these areas may earn the degree with the successful completion of 30 credit hours of study.  

Applicants who do not have a degree in Christian Ministries, Christian Education, Bible, or Religion are required to take two internet-based courses either before or concurrent with their M.A. studies.  These two courses are:  RELI 5013 Bible Survey - 3 hours and RELI 5023 Practical Ministry - 3 hours.  These applicants are required to earn 36 credit hours to receive the M.A.

 Each applicant must submit the LWC Graduate Admissions Application including fee, a letter of interest and career goals, three letters of recommendation (including a pastor), and be interviewed by the program coordinator.

  Curriculum

  Leadership Core - 15 hours
            Foundations of Servant Leadership (RELI 5103) - 3 hours
            Transformational Leadership (RELI 5203) - 3 hours
            Leading Groups and Organizations (RELI 5303) - 3 hours
            Effective Church Leadership (RELI 5403) - 3 hours
            Conflict, Crisis, and Change (RELI 5503) - 3 hours

  Historical/Theological Studies - 6-12 hours
            *Bible Survey (RELI 5013) - 3 hours
            *Practical Ministry (RELI 5023) - 3 hours
            Christian Doctrine (RELI 5603) - 3 hours
            Church History (RELI 5703) - 3 hours

*Note: Only required of candidates who enter the program without an adequate religion undergraduate background.

  Electives - 9 hours
           Small Church Ministry (RELI 5803) - 3 hours
           Pastoral Counseling (RELI 5813) - 3 hours
           Church-Related Higher Education and Leadership (RELI 5823) - 3 hours
           Readings in Leadership (RELI 5833) - 3 hours
           Internship (RELI 5843) - 3 hours
           Missional Leadership (RELI 5853) - 3 hours
           Special Topics in Religion (RELI 5993) - 3 hours
           Church Growth Strategies (RELI 5901) - 1 hour
           Ethical Leadership (RELI 5911) - 1 hour
           Youth Ministries Seminar (RELI 5931) - 1 hour
           Campus Ministry (RELI 5951) - 1 hour
           Discipleship and the Family (RELI 5961) - 1 hour
           Seminars in Ministry Leadership (RELI 5991) - 1 hour

Exit Criteria

All candidates for the degree must successfully complete 30-36 graduate hours of required coursework and approved electives with a final GPA of 3.0 or above.  No more than a total of 9 credit hours can be a grade of C.  A minimum of a C is required to pass in any course.

  TOTAL HOURS: 30-36 Credit Hours