Master’s in Christian Ministry Online

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered By: College of Theology

Pursue Your Passion and Prepare for Pastoral Leadership

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 online program is well-suited to individuals who wish to provide pastoral guidance and care to members of their church community.

This 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 have the opportunity to 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.

How GCU Prepares You for Leadership in Christian Ministry

The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary provides spiritual support, online resources, including eBooks and interactive forums and technical and academic assistance. We also offer affordable online tuition, helping you earn a quality master’s degree in Christian ministry. The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry can equip you to lead with confidence by providing a solid understanding of pastoral care, biblical interpretation and ministerial ethics. You’ll be taught the skills needed to organize ministries, communicate effectively and inspire congregations to address challenges with faith and purpose.

Work Toward a Master’s in Ministry Online

GCU’s flexible learning path can empower you to pursue the advanced study of God’s Word while continuing to meet your current responsibilities. Our online master’s in Christian ministry degree is taught by instructors who are knowledgeable in their respective fields. Through our Learning Management System, you can connect with peers and faculty, manage your program activities and find helpful resources. 

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GCU Ministry Students Sit and Read Gospel Together

Master’s in Ministry Courses and Competencies

In your Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program, you will cover material that can help you gain competence in various areas of ministry.  

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

Some of the course topics in this degree program include:

  • How to lead and organize ministries
  • Contemporary ministry communication
  • Pastoral care in a ministry context
  • Foundations of the Old and New Testaments
  • The importance of ministerial ethics

Through coursework and thoughtful discussions, you have the opportunity to develop the profound theological knowledge and strength of character necessary to lead multigenerational congregations. GCU seeks to help you understand modern challenges and apply ethical principles and the rightful interpretation of Scripture to guide others in overcoming these challenges. 

The master’s in ministry online program covers competencies in multiple areas critical to a successful, fulfilling career in the church, including:

  • 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

This degree’s 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 practical 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 Paths for Master’s in Ministry Graduates

This online master’s degree can open the door to various roles within a ministerial context. Graduates should have a deep understanding of discipleship, evangelism and prayer, which can prepare them to pursue a lifetime of service to others in the Christian community.

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

Other related careers that you may pursue with a master’s in ministry include:

  • Clergy
  • Education administrators
  • Teaching assistants

3,500

New jobs estimated for directors, religious activities and education from 2023 to 2033.1

Earn an ATS-Accredited Christian Ministry Degree

Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. 

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 38
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

Frequently Asked Questions

Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with more information on a career in ministry and earning your master’s in ministry degree 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 can help you develop your knowledge and potentially help open career options within the church. 

Christian ministry focuses on serving others through leadership, guidance and spiritual support. It involves sharing the Gospel, nurturing faith and addressing spiritual and practical needs.

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. This degree can help you on your path to become an educator and leader in faith.

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

The time it takes to complete a degree depends on several factors including your individual learning plan and your circumstances. Most of the courses in this degree program are eight weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it may take you to complete this program.

Inspire Faith in Others

Prepare to lead others in their spiritual journey with a master’s in Christian ministry. 

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, retrieved on Nov. 14, 2024. 

Pastor Speaking After Earning Degree From GCU

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.