M.A. Christian Ministry Course Descriptions

This course examines the nature and practices of spiritual formation as indispensable for ministry leaders. Creating an integrated biblical and theological framework for spiritual formation will lead to an exploration of spiritual formation practices that will affect the whole of a ministry leader’s life in ways that will also assist them in discipling others.

While much of ministry is focused on the immediate, much of the legacy of ministry is gained over long periods of time. This course identifies the personal and organizational patterns needed to establish a long-term influence.

The Ministry Experience course is intended to provide students with practical experiential learning in a faith-based organization environment. Students will complete course hours working in a ministry role during which they are able to apply the knowledge they have gained to date in the program, cultivate spiritual formation in real-world ministry contexts, and come to a better understanding of the manner they are best equipped to serve others. Students will take this course two times.

The Ministry Experience course is intended to provide students with practical experiential learning in a faith-based organization environment. Students will complete course hours working in a ministry role during which they are able to apply the knowledge they have gained to date in the program, cultivate spiritual formation in real-world ministry contexts, and come to a better understanding of the manner they are best equipped to serve others.

Study of introductory issues of the Old Testament including: the formation of the Old Testament, the writings of Moses, the historical books, the prophets, Psalms, the Writings, and the relationship of the old and new covenants to each other. The historical background and main themes of each Old Testament book will also be covered.

Study of introductory issues of the New Testament including: the Intertestamental period, the formation of the New Testament, the quest for the historical Jesus, the life and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, the work of the Holy Spirit in the church in Acts, the doctrines and application of the Epistles, and the Second Coming of Jesus in Revelation. The historical background and main themes of each New Testament book will also be covered.

This course is an investigation of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Attention is given to the contextual and missional character of theology in service to the church and the importance of integrating Christian beliefs into personal faith.

Study of the history and practices of the interpretation of Scripture with an emphasis on hermeneutics that leads to the teaching of the passage. Topics include language, genre, authorial intent, and the relationship between the Testaments. The course will culminate in a final teaching project to be executed by the student during the session.

This course is an examination of the ethical vision of the Christian faith, grounded in God’s character and revealed will, and aimed toward moral transformation of persons and society. This includes a demonstration of how a Christian ethical vision shapes identity and personal holiness and leads to service to the community and church.

This course represents the culmination of the MAChM. Students will show that they have a solid grasp on the program material through a: 1) comprehensive written exam; 2) pair of oral exams; and 3) an analysis of contemporary issues in leadership.

This course focuses on investigating the characteristics of a Christian worldview and studying the various apologetic approaches to providing a defense of the Christian faith and practice.

This course will examine the history, beliefs, and practices of the Christian & Ministry Alliance. Focus on the original writings of A. B. Simpson as well as contemporary emphasis on theological distinctives and global engagement will establish its present and future trajectory.

This course will analyze an often overlooked variable of leadership, without which there is no leadership. Content will include definition and typologies of followership, consideration of the leader as a follower, as well as effective and ethical followership.

Given the continually changing ecclesial contexts, this course applies historical lessons from primary models of church to contemporary contexts. The student will review best administrative practices and apply those to models of distance worship and discipleship.

Leaders encounter many challenges as people from different cultures, social structures, religions, and languages participate in a globalized landscape and workforce. Learners in this course explore the leadership perspectives and skills necessary to develop high-functioning, culturally diverse teams and develop an understanding of the interrelatedness of nations in the global economy. Particular emphasis is placed on discerning the values underlying behaviors, as well as the attitudes, beliefs, skills, knowledge, and self-awareness necessary for leaders to effectively serve in diverse contexts.

This course prepares students to successfully identify a community’s felt needs and then realize an appropriate strategy that brings about shalom or a flourishing to all dimensions of life. Successful ministries take into consideration their own culture’s perspectives along with that of the culture they seek to impact. The course also explores how sustainable ministries consistently produce new leaders through the practices of discipleship, succession plans, and delegation.  These are essential skills for anyone seeking to have lasting and meaningful presence in their vocational setting, whether it be in a cross-cultural setting or the individual’s own culture.

This course explores the provision of pastoral and lay pastoral care to individuals, couples and families within church and parachurch contexts responding to people’s mental health and relationship challenges, as well as being a resource to people in engaging community and medical interventions.

This course addresses the historical and biblical understanding of theological perspectives on gender, singleness, marital covenant, family relationships, divorce and remarriage, sexuality, and parenting.

The Toccoa Falls College Orientation designed for students who are new to graduate studies at TFC. The course equips students with knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for a positive experience at TFC. The college does not charge tuition for this course since it is a non-credit course; however, a passing grade in the course is a requirement for graduation. (0 hours, either semester)