A 72-hour professional degree program to develop servant leaders who are equipped to follow Godās call and lead others with the necessary humility, knowledge, wisdom, and skills to build up the body of Christ.
The Master of Divinity is a 72-hour professional degree for leaders serving or preparing to serve in a church or other ministry setting.
Students will enjoy the broad range of courses as well as the number of electives empowering them to tailor their educational experience.
Sample Degree Courses
Biblical Hermeneutics
An introduction to basic principles of interpreting the Bible. Attention will be given to historical and literary features of biblical texts, the theological nature of Scripture as divine revelation, and the history of Christian interpretation of the Old and New Testaments.
Greek Basics
An introduction to the basics of the Greek language, with focus on using the language in a ministry setting. In using examples from the Greek New Testament, the course is designed to prepare students to use the basics of the language in interpreting Scripture (e.g., grammar, syntax, the meaning of words, etc.). NT 6501 is a continuation of this course.
Hebrew Basics
An introduction to the basics of the Hebrew language, with focus on using the language in a ministry setting. In using examples from the Hebrew Old Testament, the course is designed to prepare students to use the basics of the language in interpreting Scripture (e.g., grammar, syntax, the meaning of words, etc.). OT 6501 is a continuation of this course.
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.
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.
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.
Self-Awareness and the Christian Leader
An exploration of the nature of Christian leadership development, which highlights an integration of spiritual leadership, inner life formation, and identity, as found in Scripture. The student will learn how God shapes a leader over a lifetime for His unique purposes and how to partner with this process through various aspects of self-awareness.
Looking for a full list of courses?
View the complete course information in our catalog.
Our Master of Divinity degree will develop graduates who are able to:
1. Interpret a biblical text from its original language (Greek or Hebrew) for use in preaching, teaching, and personal study.
2. Integrate historic, literary, canonical, and theological insights in biblical interpretation for contemporary application.
3. Critically engage Christian theological traditions to address challenges in ministry.
4. Articulate and defend foundational doctrines as revealed in Scripture and affirmed by the Christian tradition.
5. Foster spiritual maturity personally and within a community of faith.
6. Demonstrate a wide range of skills for servant leadership in various cultural contexts.
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)
December 31
Deposit Deadline
January 12
Classes start
Master of Divinity Program Coordinator
Michael DeFazioDean of Lincoln Seminary/New Testament and Hermeneutics Professor
Just like in our undergraduate program, Ozarkās masterās program 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 OCC is $490 plus fees.
Are there scholarships available for graduate students?
