Master’s in Christian Ministry Degree Online

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered By: College of Theology

Earn a Master’s in Ministry To Pursue Your Passion for the Gospel

Current and future lay ministers and assistant pastors are invited to apply for admission to Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree online program or evening program is well-suited to individuals who wish to provide pastoral guidance and care to members of their church community. 

This evening or online master’s in Christian ministry program provides a comprehensive survey of the Old and New Testament foundations and the development of Christian doctrine. It examines pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You will develop your spiritual, intellectual and professional knowledge, and prepare to serve as a faithful gospel minister within your community. You will be inspired to nurture your passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and Christ-like ministerial service.

Pursue a Master’s in Ministry Online or With Evening Classes

The master’s in ministry program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) gives you to option to earn your degree online or in the evening. Choose to complete your online master’s degree in Christian ministry from anywhere or take part in small evening classes in convenient locations once a week. No matter which modality you choose, you’ll experience the same high-quality learning, resources and support that comes with a degree from GCU. 

GCU’s flexible learning path empowers you to pursue the advanced study of God’s Word while continuing to meet your current obligations. GCU’s evening or online ministry degree is taught by fully qualified instructors who are experts in their respective fields. The master’s in Christian ministry requires a total of 38 credits for completion. Most master’s in ministry online and evening classes are eight weeks in length.

Courses and Competencies for GCU’s Master in Christian Ministry Degree

In your Master of Arts in Christian ministry program at GCU, you will cover material that will help you gain competence in various areas of ministry. The courses in this program cover all five critical competencies that support the GCU mission. 

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Rigorous coursework and hands-on field ministry experiences come together in this comprehensive master’s in Christian ministry degree program. 

Some of the core program course topics in GCU’s online master’s in Christian ministry degree program include the following:

  • How to lead and organize ministries
  • 21st-century ministry communication
  • Pastoral care in a ministry context
  • Foundations of the Old and New Testament
  • The importance of ministerial ethics

Through GCU’s master’s in ministry online degree coursework and thoughtful discussions, you will develop the profound theological knowledge and strength of character necessary to lead multigenerational congregations. As a modern university, GCU seeks to help you understand 21st-century challenges and apply ethical principles and the rightful interpretation of Scripture to guide others in overcoming these challenges.

In the master’s in Christian ministry program, you will gain competence in multiple areas critical to a successful, fulfilling career in the church. Some of these competencies include:

  • Effective communication within various ministerial contexts, including small groups, Bible study and discipleship programs within contemporary settings
  • Nurturing spiritual formation with biblical wisdom through biblical counseling and pastoral care
  • A keen understanding of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, including revelation, God, humanity, Christ and salvation
  • The biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics, including the responsibilities of gospel ministry

The online master’s in Christian ministry degree curriculum includes multiple supervised ministry field experiences embedded throughout the program. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your grasp of the program’s concepts, theories and research by applying these principles to real-world contexts. There is an emphasis on practical training for ministry leaders as they work to edify the Christian community and to lead with grace and compassion.

Career Opportunities for Master’s in Christian Ministry Degree Graduates

The online master’s degree in ministry opens the door to various roles within a ministerial context. Graduates will possess a deep understanding of discipleship, evangelism and prayer, which empowers them to pursue a lifetime of service to others in the Christian community. 

Some possible roles that may be related to this degree include a religious activities and education director, or postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher. With a thorough grounding in the Christian doctrines and well-developed communication skills, you will be prepared to lead, teach and shepherd God’s people.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Degree FAQs

Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with more information on a career in ministry and earning your master's degree in ministry from GCU.

To begin your career in Christian ministry, you should first consider getting your undergraduate degree in a related subject, such as a BA in Christian Ministry. If you have already completed your undergraduate degree, pursuing a graduate degree such as the master’s degree in ministry is the next best step to developing your knowledge and opening career options within the church.

With this online master’s in Christian ministry degree, you can pursue careers that allow you to provide pastoral guidance, teach others about religion and the Christian faith, along with various other opportunities within a church context. A master’s in Christian ministry sets you up to be an educator and leader in faith.

If you feel called to work within your church community, develop your understanding of faith and spread God’s word, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry could be beneficial and suitable for you and your career aspirations. Through this degree, you will gain the knowledge needed to be a valuable leader of the Christian church community.

There are no specific pre-requisite courses required for this master’s program, however there are specific graduate admissions requirements that must be met in order to be considered eligible for graduate programs.

The master’s in Christian ministry degree from GCU requires 38 total credits to completion. Most of the master’s in ministry online courses are eight weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to an admissions counselor to better understand the length and requirements for this program.

Yes. Grand Canyon Theological Seminary at GCU is accredited by Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. For more information, visit our Grand Canyon Theological Seminary Accreditation page.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 38
Online: 8 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:

Course List

Major:
38 credits
Degree Requirements:
38 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in ministry and theology. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course examines the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics along with an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of gospel ministry. Significant attention is given to self-care, personal morality, and character formation as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God’s people.

Course Description

This course is a study of the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, exegesis, and application, especially in the context of ministry, including an introduction to the use of biblical language tools.

Course Description

This course analyzes the practical dimensions of systematic theology and assists students in making critical connections between biblical teaching and ministry within specific contexts. Emphasis is placed on faithful biblically rooted ministry, including a focus on prayer, evangelism, discipleship, and church leadership. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.

Course Description

This course surveys the text and historical background of the Old Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the Old Testament.

Course Description

This course surveys the text and historical background of the New Testament with an introduction to hermeneutics and the proper interpretation of the books of the New Testament.

Course Description

This course surveys cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, including revelation, God, humanity, Christ, and salvation. Emphasis is placed on the development of sound theology grounded in biblical understandings and practical wisdom for ministry. Some attention is given to the historical development of doctrine.

Course Description

This course equips students to provide effective ministry leadership in the areas of pastoral care and counseling in the local church. Emphasis is placed on caring for individuals, families, and small groups by nurturing spiritual formation with biblical wisdom. In addition, this course seeks to equip ministry leaders with skills and tools for biblical counseling. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.

Course Description

This course prepares students to address various aspects of communication in a local church ministry setting. Emphasis is placed on the various opportunities and challenges to communicate the gospel in small groups, Bible study, and discipleship programs. In addition, the course addresses the need to develop communication skills for a contemporary ministry context. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.

Course Description

This course furnishes practical training for ministry leaders. Emphasis is placed on both the leader’s personal life and the organizational dynamics of the local church. In addition, this course aims to equip church leaders to manage and lead ministries in a multicultural and multigenerational context. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.