What Is Christian Ministry and Is It Right For Me?

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is an advanced program that is entrenched in biblical foundations. This degree is well-suited for assistant pastors and ministers who serve on a full-time, part-time, lay ministry or bi-vocational basis. What is Christian ministry like for you, and what does it mean to minister? Explore the following information and reflect on how God calls you to serve.

In This Article:

• Master of Arts in Ministry Definition
• Differences Between a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity
• What Is Christian Ministry? Consider These Questions
• What Can You Do With a Ministry Degree in Non-Church Settings?
• Potential Careers in Ministry

Master of Arts in Ministry Definition

A Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree is intended to teach broad knowledge about the Bible and Christian theology. The term indicates that the program is a liberal arts degree, focusing specifically on ministerial topics such as discipleship, biblical interpretation, the New and Old Testaments, faith formation and ministerial practices.

People who earn an MA in Christian Ministry may indeed go on to become ministers and pastors. However, other career options may also be available, such as teaching and program directing.¹

Differences Between a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity

As you explore your degree options, you’ll discover that there are multiple types of degrees to consider. In addition to the MA degree, seminaries may offer a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. Like the MA, the MDiv is designed for Christians who wish to pursue a ministerial career. However, the MDiv degree is traditionally longer, covers a broader array of competencies and skills, and is more comprehensive than the MA degree. The MA degree for ministry students provides basic knowledge and skill in a more focused plan of study, sometimes enabling students to study in specialized areas that directly align with their respective vocations. 

In an MDiv program, students can expect to explore the Bible, Christian doctrine, spiritual formation, and practical application within ministry contexts. Students study biblical languages, proper Bible interpretation, theological truth, and skills for contextualizing their ministry within their unique contexts. MA students also study biblical foundations, the fundamental doctrines of the faith, practical wisdom and application; however, they generally do so with greater focus on specific types of ministry through within a shorter program of study.

What Is Christian Ministry? Consider These Questions

It may not always be easy to determine exactly which degree program suits you and your career plans best. Reflect upon the following questions as you seek to determine what Christian ministry means to you and which careers in ministry you feel called to.

What Does It Mean To Minister? Where Will You Serve?

Many students believe they are called to a life of ministry and to serve God by doing missionary work. Traveling preachers and missionaries can help to spread the Word to the most remote parts of the world or underserved areas within the U.S.

However, it is important to know that God’s plan may be to serve your local community or even teach future church leaders. There are many ways to serve God, so do not feel like you need to choose only one to make a difference.

If this is your calling, then getting a master’s in Christian ministry can provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the Bible and Christian leadership. In today’s world, it is important to be prepared to answer tough questions about faith and God. Getting an education to understand Scripture and setting up ministries can help spread God’s Word to those who need it most.

How Do You Learn Best?

Many Christian colleges provide degrees in Christian studies and Bible study. Finding the best one for you should be a matter of working with your schedule and determining your interests. Students might consider an online theology degree due to convenience, while in-person classes can help to make better connections.

What Skills Do You Want To Acquire?

Upon completion of this Christian ministry degree program, you can become equipped to educate the Christian community using Bible-based ministry and service. The coursework can prepare you to apply biblical concepts that meet the demands of ministry in various contexts. It also prepares you to guide Christian organizations and multigenerational congregations by providing relevant, Bible-based teaching.

What Are You Hoping To Learn?

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree is designed to engage you in a course of study that involves teaching, leading and nurturing your congregation and community. As you earn this degree, you can benefit from field ministry experiences to help you connect with theology and practice.

You will examine topics relevant in spreading the gospel. Your course topics will include ministerial ethics, Christian doctrine, Old and New Testament foundations and biblical interpretation. Each of these topics is designed to build up understanding of all things biblical.

What Do You Want to Do?

If your goal is to lead compelling and effective ministries, then the MA in Christian Ministry could be right for you. This degree program is designed to prepare its graduates to minister faithfully and effectively in accord with sound doctrine. This Christian ministry degree provides a strong biblical foundation for prayer, service, leadership, evangelism and discipleship that’s required for powerful, gospel-centered ministry.

What Can You Do With a Ministry Degree in Non-Church Settings?

Is an MA in Christian Ministry only a good choice for those who want to work in ministry? While it is ideally designed for future ministers, it can also be a good degree choice for other career ambitions. For example, someone with a degree in ministry might pursue a career as a:¹

• Pastoral counselor
• Christian education director
• Christian writer
• Youth director
• Christian school teacher

Potential Careers in Ministry

With a master's in Christian ministry, you can pursue many different job fields. By possessing a better understanding of Christianity, members of the church can help raise up the next generation in loving God and building strong biblical foundations.

So, what can you do with a ministry degree? Let’s look at some of the different avenues to which this degree can lead.

Teacher/Professor

Christian schools and universities need instructors that can communicate the Bible and its content to a wide range of students. Having an online theology degree may make you a more competitive applicant to a teaching position.¹ As a Christian teacher, you might focus on a specific subject area or teach a variety of subjects at the lower grade levels.

Writer

While it may not be the first option that you might consider, becoming a writer can be a worthwhile experience. Earning a master’s in ministry may give you the background needed to write books and other publications on biblical topics or write promotional materials for churches.¹

Pastor

Pursuing a career as a pastor is another choice for those with a degree in Christian ministry. Understanding the Bible in-depth and being able to teach its meaning can be valuable in today’s world. As a pastor, you would fulfill a leadership position within the church and deliver spiritual guidance.¹

Missionary

A missionary’s career focuses on bringing the Word of God to communities that practice other religions or that do not widely practice religion. Sometimes, missionaries engage in public service projects intended to help these communities on a practical level, such as by digging wells or building a medical clinic. A degree in ministry can prepare you to spread the gospel near and far.¹

Church Administrator

Another position to consider is a church administrator. This role handles the business side of church operations and ensures the day-to-day activities are successful. While it may not be for everyone, those who have a strong business sense and can handle financial, as well as spiritual matters, will be heavily valued in this position.²

For any of these fields or others, it is important to pray for guidance and the courage to fulfill God’s plan. Following him will lead you down the path to the career he wants you to pursue. A good rule to note is to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

At Grand Canyon University’s Theological Seminary, you can prepare to lead others in faith. Explore our degree programs today and apply for enrollment in the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree program. Fill out the form on this page to get started today.