The Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML) is a degree for those in ministry leadership positions who want advanced biblical, theological and ministry education to promote personal, spiritual, and professional growth. Christian worldview and leadership serve as pillars of the curriculum and are incorporated throughout the program of study. The program consists of 36 semester hours that are based on biblical exegesis and biblically based servant-leadership formation. The curriculum has been designed around a core of bible, theology and ministry courses with opportunities for specialization through elective courses. Students may fulfill up to 21 semester hours by online/distance education and must fulfill a minimum of 15 semester hours in-residence. The MAML degree is not intended as a basis for doctoral study. Applicants for the MAML degree program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants must also have at least 4 years of full-time vocational ministry experience.
The MAML degree is conferred through Cornerstone University and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All courses are completed at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
(1) To promote personal, spiritual and professional growth through advanced biblical, theological and ministerial education.
(2) To enhance immediate effectiveness, knowledge and competency in ministry.
(3) To encourage the pursuit of peer and lifelong education and the continuing development of essential personal and professional ministry skills.
(4) To offer an inviting environment for ministry professionals to pursue continuing education that offers spiritual, theological and leadership formation and training.
The M.A. Ministry Leadership program has the flexibility that full-time ministry leaders need. The following plan is an example of one way the course requirements can be fulfilled. Courses can be completed through a combination of online, distance, two-week intensive or traditional fall/spring semesters. Contact an admissions representative to consider how this program plan can be tailored for you.
Year 1
| Fall | MIN500 Christian Spiritual Formation | Online |
| Spring | BBL501 Biblical Hermeneutics | Distance |
| Summer | THE540 Systematic Theology I | Intensive |
Year 2
| Fall | MIN510 Organizational Leadership | Online |
| J-term | Bible Elective | Intensive |
| Summer | THE640 Systematic Theology II | Intensive |
Year 3
| Fall | BBL502/503 O.T. or N.T. Biblical Theology | Online |
| J-term | General Elective | Intensive |
| Summer | MIN543 Educational Mission of the Church | Online |
Year 4
| Fall | Theology Elective | Distance |
| Spring | MIN560 Global Impact | Online |
| Summer | General Elective | Intensive |
Click here to download a program checklist for the M.A. Ministry Leadership.