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 master’s program at OCC, you are partnering with God’s Spirit by connecting with Christ’s community represented by fellow kingdom workers across the world.
Who is this concentration for?
Anyone called to or entrusted with leadership roles in God’s kingdom work, especially:
· Directors of Non-Profits · Senior Ministers · Employees of Non-Profits · Associate Ministers · Leaders in Parachurch Organizations · Connection Pastors · Executive 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.
Christian Doctrine and Theology
A survey of Christian Doctrine and Theology based on historical, theological, and philosophical inquiry with special emphasis on the first six centuries of the church. Students will learn to navigate theological categories and controversies with special emphasis on the articulation of core Christian doctrine and scriptural 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.
Ethics in Leadership
A critical analysis of the foundation, purpose, and methodology of various ethical systems, approaches to ethical decision-making, and applications to leadership contexts. Students consider leadership from the perspective of the personal character of leaders—their ability to make decisions and take actions considered good and right.
Dynamics of Change and Conflict
An examination of the dual impact of the dynamics of change in organizations/social systems and the inevitable conflict that arises in any setting. Students will learn practical, biblical approaches to navigating and communicating through both change and conflict, both on an interpersonal and organizational level.
Multi-Cultural Dynamics in Leadership Settings
An examination of the dynamics in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic teams seeking to execute strategies in a diverse setting. Students will be able to identify the strengths and opportunities that diversity brings to organizations and teams while developing strategies for problem solving and communication.
Looking for a full list of courses?
View the complete course information in our catalog.
Program and Concentration Outcomes
Students will be able to…
1. Lead an organization through navigating both internal and external change dynamics.
2. Engage difficult leadership (or organizational) situations with Christian principles.
3. Identify the value and challenges of multi-cultural settings from a leadership perspective.
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 professor 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. You’ll learn from practitioner professors—men and women with hands-on experience in their fields—in 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.
· 80% of your coursework is personal study on your own schedule (research, writing, online discussion posts, etc.).
· 20% of your coursework is community interaction on a pre-arranged schedule (Zoom, in-person intensives, virtual seats, etc.).
