Master of Arts in Theology & Culture: Ministry
A place to reconnect with your calling
2 years to complete
39 credit hours of coursework
2 residency gatherings
The MATC: Ministry specialization is for those called to shape the future of faith in bold, imaginative, yet deeply grounded ways. Designed for pastors, spiritual leaders, lay ministers, and seekers of all kinds, this two-year program invites you to live into your calling with courage—guiding communities toward healing, justice, and flourishing.
At a time when traditional models of church are unraveling and new expressions of faith are emerging, this specialization helps you listen for what is being born. You’ll explore contextual and formational approaches to ministry that respond to the real needs of people and places—with theology that is rooted, embodied, and always relational.
In Ministry, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In this program, you’ll examine what it means to gather, lead, and serve in a rapidly shifting cultural and spiritual landscape. This specialization supports you in designing ministry expressions that are faithful to your story and your context—whether that’s a house church, nonprofit, justice-rooted collective, or something yet to be named.
Ministry for a Changing World
In this program, you will:
- Learn to convene spiritual communities that are creative, just, and welcoming
- Develop a theology of place that responds to the needs and hopes of your local context
- Practice spiritual care that attends to both personal and collective transformation
- Gain tools to catalyze new expressions of church, worship, and communal life
- Cultivate the wisdom to discern God’s movement in ordinary spaces and everyday relationships
By the end of the MATC: Ministry specialization, you will be equipped to:
- Lead with theological imagination, spiritual depth, and relational presence
- Listen deeply to the stories of your community and discern how to gather in ways that matter
- Inspire churches and faith-based organizations to embody God’s love more fully
- Design and sustain innovative forms of ministry rooted in your unique context
- Respond to grief, injustice, and longing with practices of hope, care, and transformation
“If you desire to lead or collaborate in forming a faith community that welcomes all as God in Christ welcomes us, then this degree is for you.”
Dwight J. Freisen, DMin
Associate Professor of Practical Theology Meet Our Core Faculty
Program Highlights
- Contextual apprenticeship in a ministry setting of your choice
- Capstone Integrative Portfolio to articulate your theology and vocational vision
- Specialized coursework in gathering, spiritual formation, and innovative ministry practices
The Curriculum
All MATC students begin with a shared Common Curriculum, building a foundation in theology, psychology, biblical studies, and culture. In your second year, you’ll specialize further through coursework and hands-on learning shaped by your creative practice.
Foundational Formation
Your journey begins with the Common Curriculum, shared with students across all MATC specializations. This interdisciplinary foundation draws from theology, psychology, and cultural studies to form spiritually attuned and socially aware leaders.
Core Theological Learning
Engage in contextual readings of scripture, explore spiritual formation, and gain tools for mission, theology, and transformational leadership.
Ministry Specialization Coursework
In your second year, you’ll take three courses designed to:
- Develop your capacity for spiritual care and pastoral imagination
- Explore ministry models rooted in community, justice, and innovation
- Integrate your learning through a hands-on Apprenticeship in a setting that reflects your call
- Throughout the program, assignments are designed to help you apply your learning to your real-world context—whether that’s a sanctuary, coffee shop, or classroom.
“I felt like [the Common Curriculum] was a good way to learn about each other, practice active listening, and dive deep into our cultural contexts.”
MATC Student Explore MATC Voices
Shape What Comes Next
If you're dreaming of new ways to do church, longing to offer spiritual care that heals, or discerning how to serve faithfully in complex and beautiful communities—this is your invitation. The MATC: Ministry specialization is for those who believe God is still at work—and want to be part of what’s being made new. Request more information or apply today, and we’ll send you everything you need to know in order to begin your journey.