Tim McAlpine, PhD, Chair, Humanities & 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
(270) 384-8148  swant@lindsey.edu

Mission Statement

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.

Each applicant must submit the Graduate School Application for Admission (available online), all transcripts and the processing fee to the Registrar, a letter of interest including career goals, and three letters of recommendation (including a pastor) to the Program Coordinator. The applicant must also contact the Program Coordinator to schedule an interview. 

Curriculum

A.    Leadership Core:  15 hours

• Foundations of Servant Leadership (RELI 5103) - 3 hours
• Transformational Leadership (RELI 5203) - 3 hours
• Effective Church Leadership (RELI 5403) - 3 hours
• Conflict, Crisis, and Change (RELI 5503) - 3 hours
• Missional Leadership (RELI 5853) - 3 hours

B.    Historical/Theological Studies:  6 hours

• Christian Doctrine (RELI 5603) - 3 hours
• Church History (RELI 5703) - 3 hours

C.    Electives:  9 hours (choose from the following)

• Leading Groups and Organizations (RELI 5303) - 3 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
• 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
• Special Topics in Religion (RELI 5993) - 3 hours

Exit Criteria

Graduation from the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degree program requires:

1. Successful completion of all program requirements and assessments;
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
3. Completion of a Missional Leadership project in RELI 5853; and
4. Completion of the Comprehensive Examination in the final semester.

TOTAL:  30 credit hours