Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
The Master of Arts in Christian Formation is designed to help you gain critical competencies in the study of the Bible, Christian theology, and ministry best practice, all while striving to build a stronger foundation for your own faith.
Of M.A. in Christian Formation alumni surveyed reported being vocationally employed within 6-12 months of graduation. The additional 25% continued for further study beyond the M.A. in Christian Formation degree.
Of M.A. in Christian Formation students take classes part-time.
Of M.A. in Christian Formation students achieved the highest outcome (i.e., making good progress in readiness for ministry) at their mid-point and exit assessments.
As a ministry leader, you need to be prepared to navigate complex environments with grace and truth. The M.A. in Christian Formation prepares you for this challenge. By integrating Biblical interpretation with practical ministry training, this program teaches you to think deeply about the theology, history and the text of Scripture so that you can teach faithfully.
Through this program, you will learn how to interpret and apply Scripture from the English Bible texts, state a basic understanding of the foundations of Christian theology and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the values and principles necessary for wholehearted spiritual formation, both in yourself and in others. Your professors will lead you through rigorous course work that will help you communicate sound biblical truth with knowledge and clarity.
An M.A. in Christian Formation will provide a wide range of opportunities for employment—whether you want to work in a church, para-church ministry, non-profit or other Christian organization.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is committed to serving Christ’s church by developing ministry leaders. Our Ministry Residency program is strategic and essential in this endeavor as it provides avenues for students to connect with ministry mentors and to serve in local churches and other ministry sites. Students put their classroom learning to practice, gain important ministry experience, and learn valuable lessons in this unique experience.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Jesus Christ is central in everything we do. That’s why all of our faculty are believers with a personal relationship with Him. That’s why we challenge our students to think deeply about their own faith walk. And that’s why we inspire our graduates to follow our Lord’s example of leadership: rather than a pursuit of power and influence a posture of self-giving and humble service.
The M.A. Christian Formation program consists of a core of Bible, theology and ministry courses. Yet, you also will select a ministry specialization, where you will focus your studies in a particular area of ministry.
The Bible and Theology core of the M.A. in Christian Formation program consists of 32 credits. These courses will give you a foundational understanding of how to study the Bible and how to think theologically about life and ministry.
The specialization courses in the M.A. Christian Formation degree consist of 24 credit hours, providing you with both theoretical leadership frameworks and practical ministry experience.
Select either:
Three course cluster from ministry disciplines (MIN and/or COU) selected with consultation of faculty advisor.
Program learning outcomes are the foundation of a GRTS degree. Explore how our M.A. in Christian Formation program prepares you to learn, serve and lead for a lifetime of ministry.
Timothy Bassett (’19)The diversity at GRTS has caused me to be slower to speak and quicker to listen. I’ve learned that my perspective is not always the majority, nor is it the correct one. I’ve appreciated that element to my education here.
Our faculty are driven by uncompromising Christ-like values in everything they do, both inside and outside the classroom. Through their expertise and mentorship, you will be inspired to dig deeper and to grow as a follower of Jesus.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary offers several programs designed to feed your spiritual formation. Take a look at some of the additional programs we offer.
MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.