A message from the M.A. in Christian Ministry program coordinator Wade Landers
Why choose the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Degree at OCC?
High Quality Education
For over 80 years, OCC has trained men and women for Christian service through deep biblical study. We believe that ministry principles grounded in Scripture provide profound cultural agility regardless of your kingdom calling.
Personal Transformation
Education, at its best, is a process of discipleship, and discipleship, according to Scripture (Galatians 2:20), is the process of transforming you into the hands and feet of Jesus.
Spirit-Centered Community
When you join the masterās program at OCC, you are partnering with Godās Spirit by connecting with Christās community represented by fellow kingdom workers across the world.
Who is this degree for?
Anyone in search of or in charge of wholistic transformation and discipleship of Christ-followers, especially:
Ā· Discipleship Pastors Ā· Small Groups Pastors Ā· Senior Ministers Ā· Spiritual Directors Ā· Student Ministers
Those without a Bible college undergraduate degree are encouraged to pursue this degree program.
Sample Degree Courses
Contextualized Hermeneutics
A critical examination of various principles of interpretation through the book of Acts intentionally engaging in missiological, pastoral, and historical-grammatical contextual analysis. Students will learn both general and specific hermeneutical principles necessary to acquire and apply scriptural insights to various contexts.
Worldview and Cultural Discernment
This course outlines and analyzes the content of the many worldview systems operative in our world today from a Christian worldview rooted in Scripture. Attention is paid to the development of these worldviews over time as well as their many present applications. Students will learn how to understand and appreciate these worldviews, and how to evaluate and respond from a Christian worldview perspective.
Biblical Theology of Mission
A critical examination of the principles of missiology as seen in Scripture specifically engaging the major historical and theological perspectives on mission. Students will learn to distinguish missiological approaches with a particular emphasis given to the significance of Abrahamic covenant in Missio Dei theology.
Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
An examination of the biblical truths that guide how spiritual practices become helpful to the spiritual journey of the individual and groups. Students will learn why spiritual practices are important, how they can be approached healthily and unhealthily, and how to apply certain spiritual practices for specific seasons of the spiritual journey.
Awareness and Identity
A critical examination of self-awareness and its relation to identity using Scripture, ancient and modern texts, assessment tools, and personality profiles. Students will learn spiritual practices that focus on deepening self-awareness, unearthing their identity in Christ, and how this impacts Christian community.
Historical Streams of Christian Spirituality
A study of the major spiritual traditions in Christian history with special attention on integrating their concerns, foundations, and methods for contemporary disciple-making. Students will be introduced to major figures in the history of Christian spirituality and will apply their concepts to issues in spiritual formation today.
Spiritual Theology
A synthesis of various issues and traditions of Christian spiritual formation into the liturgical practices of a local community. Students will utilize biblical foundations, historical practices, and insights in group dynamics to imagine a fellowship that leads to personal spiritual maturity.
Looking for a full list of courses?
View the complete course information in our catalog.
Program and Concentration Outcomes
Students will be able toā¦
1. Identify the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the spiritually maturing believer.
2. Integrate spiritual pathways and practices for individuals and local Christian communities.
3. Disciple others through relationships and spiritual practices.
What Lincoln Seminary students are saying:
"Having never taken Bible classes before this program, the in-depth look at hermeneutics and contextualization has been incredibly helpful in my personal Bible reading as well as my teaching and preaching and equipping others."
"I enjoyed all of the readings as well as videos from our professorĀ each week. They combined to leave me with a real appreciation for culture and our role as Christians in engaging with culture in a manner that remains faithful to our call as witnesses for Jesus."
"I really enjoyed the intensive in-person days. It allowed valuable questioning, discussion, and interaction with the class and the professor."
"The portion of this course that I found most valuable was the study of kingdom diversity and what that looks like in a religious organization. I look at diversity from this lens now instead of mixing it up with how the world looks at diversity."
Spring Lincoln Seminary Admissions Dates
December 12
Application Deadline
December 22
Acceptance Deadline (all materials turned in)
Just like in our undergraduate program, Lincoln Seminary's faculty set us apart. Youāll learn from practitioner professorsāmen and women with hands-on experience in their fieldsāin a distinctively Christ-centered community.
How much is tuition?
Each graduate credit hour at Lincoln Seminary is $490 plus fees.
Are there scholarships available for Lincoln Seminary students?
Yes. For current accreditation information, please visit .
Is the seminary program online?
Yes, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry can be a fully online, 36-hour degree. Or, choose from three 36-hour concentrations with required on-campus intensives.
In the three 36-hour concentrations, a majority of your coursework will be online.
Ā· 80% of your coursework is personal study on your own schedule (research, writing, online discussion posts, etc.).
Ā· 20% of your coursework is community interaction on a pre-arranged schedule (Zoom, in-person intensives, virtual seats, etc.).
