Master’s Program in Christian Leadership  기독교 리더쉽

Master’s program in Christian Leadership is designed to prepare students for leadership roles within churches, Christian organizations, and other ministry settings. The program integrates theological education, biblical studies, and practical leadership skills, focusing on how to effectively lead and influence others from a Christian perspective. Here is an overview of what is typically taught in a master’s program in Christian Leadership:

1. Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership

• Biblical Leadership Models: Study of leadership principles found in the Bible, examining the lives of key leaders such as Moses, David, Nehemiah, Jesus, Paul, and others. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and humility as central to Christian leadership.
• Theology of Christian Leadership: Exploration of the theological foundations of leadership, including how Christian doctrines (e.g., the Trinity, the Church, mission) inform and shape leadership practices in ministry and beyond.
• Spiritual Leadership: Study of how leadership is connected to spiritual growth and development, focusing on leading from a place of deep personal faith and integrity.

2. Leadership in Ministry Contexts

• Leadership in the Local Church: Training in leading church ministries, including roles such as senior pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, or worship leader. Emphasis is placed on understanding church governance, vision casting, and strategic planning.
• Discipleship and Mentoring: Study of how to develop and implement discipleship programs within a church or Christian organization. This includes mentoring and equipping others for leadership and ministry.
• Church Growth and Development: Examination of principles for church growth, focusing on how to foster both spiritual and numerical growth in a congregation. Topics include outreach, community engagement, and leadership in multi-site or large churches.

3. Leadership Ethics and Integrity

• Ethics in Christian Leadership: Exploration of ethical principles from a Christian perspective, focusing on how to lead with integrity, accountability, and transparency in both personal and professional life.
• Character and Leadership: Study of the relationship between personal character and leadership effectiveness, with an emphasis on cultivating virtues such as humility, honesty, and compassion in leadership roles.

4. Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development

• Strategic Planning for Ministry: Training in developing strategic plans for churches, ministries, and Christian organizations, including how to set goals, develop action plans, and evaluate effectiveness.
• Vision and Mission in Christian Leadership: Study of how-to craft and communicate an unobstructed vision and mission for a church or organization, motivating and inspiring others to work toward shared goals.
• Organizational Leadership and Management: Exploration of leadership principles applied to managing teams, staff, and volunteers in ministry settings, including conflict resolution, team building, and decision-making processes.

5. Leadership in a Multicultural and Global Context

• Cultural Competence in Leadership: Training in leading diverse groups, focusing on understanding cultural differences and promoting unity within multicultural congregations or organizations.
• Global Christianity and Leadership: Study of leadership in the global church, with an emphasis on understanding how Christianity is practiced in diverse cultures and contexts. This includes learning to lead cross-culturally and engaging in global mission work.

6. Pastoral Care and Counseling for Leaders

• Pastoral Care for Leaders: Study of how leaders provide spiritual and emotional care for their congregation or organization, including the principles of pastoral counseling and support during times of crisis.
• Self-Care for Leaders: Emphasis on the importance of self-care and spiritual health for Christian leaders, helping them avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being while leading others.

7. Conflict Management and Resolution

• Conflict Resolution in Ministry: Training in resolving conflicts within a church or ministry setting, focusing on biblical principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, and peacemaking.
• Leadership in Times of Crisis: Study of how to lead effectively in difficult or crisis situations, including times of church conflict, financial difficulty, or external challenges to the ministry.

8. Preaching and Communication Skills

• Preaching and Teaching for Leaders: Training in effective preaching and teaching methods, focusing on how to communicate biblical truths clearly and effectively to a congregation or group.
• Public Speaking and Communication: Development of public speaking skills, including how to communicate vision, motivate teams, and cast vision for ministry initiatives.

9. Spiritual Formation for Leaders

• Personal Spiritual Growth: Emphasis on the leader’s personal relationship with God, focusing on spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, fasting, and scripture reading as essential for maintaining effective leadership.
• Leading through Spiritual Formation: Study of how to lead others in their spiritual growth and discipleship, helping others cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

10. Leadership and Mission

• Missional Leadership: Exploration of how leaders can effectively guide their churches or organizations in participating in God’s mission in the world, focusing on evangelism, social justice, and community engagement.
• Church Planting and Leadership: Study of the principles and strategies involved in planting new churches, focusing on leadership during the initial stages of church growth and development.

11. Nonprofit Leadership and Management

• Nonprofit Leadership: Training in the specific challenges of leading Christian nonprofits, including fundraising, donor relations, program development, and volunteer management.
• Financial Stewardship: Study of financial management in churches and Christian organizations, focusing on budgeting, fundraising, and financial transparency as aspects of responsible leadership.

12. Technology and Leadership in Ministry

• Technology in Church Leadership: Training in the use of technology for ministry, including digital communication, online church services, and social media engagement to enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Leadership in the Digital Age: Study of how to lead in an increasingly digital world, focusing on using online platforms for ministry, outreach, and maintaining community connections.

13. Research and Capstone Project

• Research Methods in Leadership: Introduction to research methods for studying leadership and organizational practices, including qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: The programs conclude with a capstone project or thesis, where students apply their learning to real-world leadership challenges, conducting in-depth research or implementing a leadership initiative in a ministry context.

14. Internship or Field Experience

• Leadership Practicum: Most programs include a direct practicum or internship where students can gain real-world leadership experience in a church, ministry, or Christian organization, applying the principles they have learned in their studies.

Graduates of a Master’s in Christian Leadership are typically prepared for roles such as senior pastor, associate pastor, ministry leader, nonprofit director, or leadership consultant within Christian organizations. The program equips students with the skills needed to lead effectively while maintaining a solid foundation in biblical principles and servant leadership.

Please contact Dr. Yoong S. Kim (901) 490-8973

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program is an advanced, professional degree designed for those in ministry who seek to enhance their leadership, deepen their theological understanding, and develop practical skills to address complex issues within their ministry context. The program focuses on the integration of academic study, personal spiritual growth, and practical ministry application. Here is an overview of what is typically taught in a Doctor of Ministry program:

1. Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies

• Biblical Interpretation for Ministry: Advanced study of biblical texts with a focus on their application in contemporary ministry. This may include hermeneutics, exegesis, and how scripture informs preaching, teaching, and leadership.
• Theology and Ministry Practice: In-depth exploration of theological doctrines (e.g., Christology, pneumatology, soteriology) and how they shape the practice of ministry. Students learn to connect theological reflection with everyday ministry challenges.

2. Leadership and Organizational Development

• Advanced Leadership in Ministry: Study of leadership theory and its application in a church or ministry setting. Focus on strategic visioning, decision-making, team leadership, and change management.
• Organizational Dynamics in Ministry: Exploration of how churches and Christian organization’s function, including governance, administration, and the development of healthy ministry structures. Emphasis on creating effective, sustainable ministries.
• Servant Leadership: Study of servant leadership as modeled by Jesus, with a focus on humility, service to others, and leading with integrity in a ministry context.

3. Preaching and Communication

• Advanced Homiletics: Training in advanced preaching techniques, including sermon preparation, delivery, and how to effectively communicate complex theological ideas to diverse congregations.
• Preaching for Transformation: Study of how preaching can lead to spiritual growth and transformation within a congregation, focusing on crafting messages that inspire, challenge, and equip the church for action.
• Effective Communication in Ministry: Development of advanced communication skills, including public speaking, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication within the context of ministry.

4. Spiritual Formation and Personal Growth

• Spiritual Formation for Leaders: Emphasis on the ongoing spiritual growth and development of the leader, focusing on practices such as prayer, fasting, meditation, and study of scripture. The goal is to maintain a healthy spiritual life while leading others.
• Soul Care and Self-Care: Study of personal well-being and balance in ministry, including strategies for avoiding burnout, managing stress, and maintaining emotional and spiritual health while caring for others.

5. Pastoral Care and Counseling

• Advanced Pastoral Care: Exploration of pastoral care practices for dealing with complex issues such as grief, trauma, crisis intervention, marriage and family counseling, and spiritual guidance.
• Counseling in Ministry: Training in advanced counseling techniques, focusing on addressing emotional, relational, and spiritual needs within a congregation. This may include integrating biblical principles with psychological insights.
• Ministry in Times of Crisis: Study of how to offer pastoral care during crisis situations (e.g., natural disasters, church conflicts, pandemics) and how to lead communities through such events.

6. Contextual and Cross-Cultural Ministry

• Contextual Theology and Ministry: Examination of how theology and ministry practices must adapt to various cultural, social, and demographic contexts. Focus on urban, rural, and global ministry challenges.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Training in leading diverse congregations or mission teams across cultural and ethnic lines, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and effective communication in multicultural settings.
• Global Mission and Evangelism: Study of contemporary mission strategies and how the global church engages in evangelism, discipleship, and social justice across diverse cultural contexts.

7. Ethics and Social Justice in Ministry

• Christian Ethics in Leadership: Exploration of ethical decision-making within ministry, focusing on integrity, moral leadership, and accountability. Topics may include handling power, money, and relationships ethically.
• Social Justice and Ministry: Study of how the church can engage in social justice issues such as poverty, racism, human trafficking, and environmental care. Students learn to lead their congregations in addressing systemic injustices in their communities.
• Public Theology and Advocacy: Training in how to advocate for justice and positive change within society from a Christian perspective. This includes learning how to engage with public policy, community organizing, and advocacy on behalf of the marginalized.

8. Missional and Evangelistic Leadership

• Missional Church Leadership: Exploration of how to lead a church that is outwardly focused and engaged in God’s mission in the world. This may include church planting, community outreach, and engaging with non-traditional church settings.
• Evangelism in the 21st Century: Study of contemporary evangelism strategies, including how to reach secular, post-Christian, and digital communities with the gospel. Emphasis is placed on relational evangelism and innovative ministry models.

9. Change and Conflict Management in Ministry

• Leading Change in the Church: Study of how to lead congregational or organizational change in a healthy and effective way. This includes understanding resistance to change, navigating transitions, and casting vision for a preferred future.
• Conflict Management and Mediation: Training in handling conflict within churches or organizations, with a focus on peacemaking, mediation, and reconciliation. Students learn practical tools for addressing and resolving conflicts biblically.

10. Research and Practical Ministry Application

• Ministry Research Methods: Training in research methodologies relevant to ministry contexts, including how to conduct qualitative and quantitative research that informs ministry practice and decision-making.
• Action Research for Ministry: Emphasis on “action research,” where students implement and test new ministry strategies in their own contexts and evaluate the results for effectiveness and improvement.
• Ministry Innovation and Best Practices: Study of innovative models and best practices for ministry in areas such as church growth, discipleship, leadership development, and community engagement.

11. Capstone Project or Dissertation

• Doctoral Project or Dissertation: The culmination of the D. Min program typically involves a significant research project or dissertation. This project addresses a specific ministry challenge or opportunity in the student’s context. Students conduct original research, propose solutions, implement strategies, and evaluate the results.
• Integration of Theory and Practice: The project integrates academic study with practical ministry, allowing students to contribute to the field of ministry leadership while improving their own ministry context.

12. Practical Ministry Experience

• Field-Based Learning: Many D. Min programs involve field-based learning, where students apply their studies in their own ministry settings or in supervised ministry contexts. This allows for immediate application of leadership, pastoral care, or evangelistic strategies.
• Peer Learning and Mentorship: Students often engage in peer learning groups or receive mentoring from experienced ministry leaders, allowing them to refine their leadership skills in a collaborative environment.

13. Specializations or Concentrations

The Doctor of Ministry programs offer specializations or concentrations, allowing students to focus on particular areas of interest. These might include:

• Preaching and Homiletics
• Spiritual Formation
• Missional Leadership
• Church Growth and Renewal
• Youth and Family Ministry
• Christian Education
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management
• Chaplaincy

Key Goals of the D. Min Program:

• Professional Growth: Enhancing the practical skills of ministry leaders in areas such as preaching, counseling, and leadership.
• Theological Depth: Developing a deeper theological understanding to address complex issues in ministry.
• Contextual Adaptability: Preparing leaders to adapt to the changing cultural, social, and spiritual landscapes of ministry.
• Practical Application: Encouraging innovative solutions to real-world ministry challenges through research and applied projects.

Graduates of the Doctor of Ministry program is typically prepared for advanced leadership roles in the church, such as senior pastor, executive pastor, denominational leader, or professor of ministry. They are equipped to lead with greater theological depth, pastoral skill, and strategic insight in their ministry contexts.

Please contact Dr. Yoong S. Kim (901) 490-8973

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology is an advanced academic degree focused on the systematic, scholarly study of Christian beliefs, doctrines, and theological traditions. It is designed for individuals seeking to engage in rigorous theological research, contribute original scholarship, and teach at academic institutions or serve in leadership roles within religious organizations. Here is an overview of what is typically taught in the Ph.D. in Theology program:

1. Advanced Biblical Studies

• Old Testament Theology: In-depth study of the theology of the Old Testament, focusing on themes such as covenant, creation, prophecy, and the nature of God. Students analyze the theological significance of historical texts in their ancient context.
• New Testament Theology: Advanced exploration of New Testament writings, focusing on the theological contributions of the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and apocalyptic literature. Topics may include Christology, soteriology, and eschatology.
• Biblical Hermeneutics: Study of interpretive methods for understanding scripture, including historical-critical, literary, and theological approaches. Emphasis is placed on how these methodologies inform theological reflection and practice.

2. Systematic Theology

• Doctrine of God (Theology Proper): Study of the nature and attributes of God, including discussions on the Trinity, divine omnipotence, omniscience, and the relationship between God and creation.
• Christology: Examination of the person and work of Jesus Christ, focusing on the doctrines of the Incarnation, the atonement, resurrection, and how Christology has developed through history.
• Pneumatology: Study of the Holy Spirit, examining its role in the Trinity, the life of the Church, and individual Christian experience. Topics include the Spirit’s role in sanctification, empowerment, and spiritual gifts.
• Soteriology: Advanced exploration of the doctrine of salvation, including themes such as justification, sanctification, election, and atonement theories.
• Eschatology: Study of Christian teachings on the end times, including views on the second coming of Christ, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation.

3. Historical Theology

• Patristic Theology: Study of the theology of the early church fathers, such as Augustine, Athanasius, and Gregory of Nyssa, with a focus on how they shaped early Christian doctrine and practice.
• Medieval Theology: Examination of key medieval theologians, including figures like Thomas Aquinas, Anselm, and Bonaventure, and their contributions to doctrines such as natural theology, grace, and the sacraments.
• Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology: Study of the theological developments during the Protestant Reformation and its aftermath, with a focus on figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
• Modern Theology: Exploration of theological trends and movements in the modern period, from the Enlightenment to contemporary thinkers like Karl Barth, Jürgen Moltmann, and feminist, liberation, and postmodern theologies.

4. Philosophical Theology

• Philosophy of Religion: In-depth analysis of the philosophical issues surrounding religious belief, including arguments for the existence of God, the problem of evil, faith and reason, and the nature of religious language.
• Metaphysics and Theology: Study of metaphysical questions that arise in theology, such as the nature of being, the relationship between time and eternity, and how theological doctrines intersect with philosophical concepts like substance, causality, and identity.
• Ethics and Moral Theology: Exploration of moral theology and its philosophical foundations, including natural law, virtue ethics, and divine command theory. Topics might include Christian views on justice, love, and human flourishing.

5. Comparative Theology and Interfaith Dialogue

• Comparative Theology: Study of how Christian theology compares and interacts with other world religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. This often involves examining shared themes like salvation, the nature of the divine, and religious experience.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Training in the theological principles and practices of engaging in dialogue with people of other faiths, focusing on respectful interaction while maintaining theological integrity.

6. Theological Anthropology

• Doctrine of Humanity: Study of the theological understanding of human nature, including discussions on creation, sin, free will, the image of God, and the nature of human identity.
• Grace and Sin: Examination of how theologians throughout history have understood original sin, human depravity, and the role of divine grace in human salvation and moral development.

7. Ecclesiology and Sacramental Theology

• Ecclesiology: In-depth study of the nature and mission of the Church, including its structure, authority, sacraments, and role in salvation history. Topics may include denominational perspectives on church governance, the priesthood, and lay ministry.
• Sacramental Theology: Exploration of the theology of the sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, including their biblical foundations, historical development, and role in Christian worship and spirituality.

8. Missiology and Public Theology

• Mission Theology: Study of the theology of Christian mission, including biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary challenges. Focus on how mission intersects with culture, evangelism, and social justice.
• Public Theology: Exploration of how Christian theology speaks to public issues, such as politics, economics, human rights, and environmental stewardship. Students learn to articulate theological insights in public discourse and address contemporary societal challenges.

9. Research Methodologies in Theology

• Theological Research Methods: Training in academic research methodologies, including textual analysis, historical research, and philosophical argumentation. Students learn how to engage critically with primary sources and scholarly literature.
• Writing for Theological Scholarship: Instruction in authoring academic papers, journal articles, and dissertations. Emphasis on developing a scholarly voice, argumentation, and contributing original research to the field of theology.
• Discourse and Argumentation: Students learn advanced techniques for engaging with theological debates, constructing sound theological arguments, and responding to critiques.

10. Specialized Areas of Study

Ph.D. programs in theology often allow for specialization in particular areas of interest. These might include:

• Liberation Theology: Study of the theology of liberation, focusing on how Christian theology addresses issues of social justice, poverty, and oppression, particularly in Latin American, African, and feminist contexts.
• Political Theology: Exploration of how Christian theological concepts inform and critique political structures and systems, especially in relation to authority, power, and justice.
• Feminist and Gender Theology: Study of how gender and feminist theory influence theological reflection, focusing on the role of women in the Church, the reinterpretation of traditional doctrines, and inclusive theology.
• Trinitarian Theology: Advanced study of the doctrine of the Trinity, exploring its biblical roots, historical development, and contemporary relevance in both the West and East.

11. Dissertation Research

• Original Contribution to Scholarship: The dissertation is the principal component of a Ph.D. in Theology. Students conduct original research on a specific theological topic, aiming to contribute new insights to the academic community. This often involves engagement with primary theological texts, biblical exegesis, or interdisciplinary research.
• Dissertation Writing and Defense: Students author a comprehensive dissertation based on their research, which is then presented and defended before a panel of scholars. This process demonstrates the student’s expertise in their area of study and their ability to engage with critical theological issues.

12. Capstone Seminars and Colloquia

• Advanced Theological Seminars: Participation in doctoral-level seminars, where students present their research, engage in discussions with peers and faculty, and receive feedback. These seminars often focus on contemporary issues in theology and encourage interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Colloquia and Conferences: Many programs encourage students to attend academic conferences and present papers, allowing them to engage with the broader theological community and contribute to current theological discussions.

13. Teaching and Academic Leadership

• Pedagogy for Theological Education: Training in teaching methods, curriculum development, and academic leadership, particularly for those intending to pursue careers as professors in universities, seminaries, or divinity schools.
• Mentorship and Academic Guidance: Many programs include opportunities for students to mentor undergraduate or master’s students, preparing them for future roles in academic leadership and teaching.

Key Objectives of a Ph.D. in Theology:

• Original Theological Research: Preparing students to contribute original research to the field of theology, developing new insights, and engaging with long-standing theological debates.
• Scholarly Writing and Publication: Equipping students with the skills to publish their research in academic journals, books, and other scholarly outlets.
• Teaching and Mentorship: Preparing students for careers in higher education, focusing on teaching theology and mentoring the next generation of scholars and religious leaders.
• Critical Theological Engagement: Developing the ability to engage with contemporary theological issues and challenges, applying theological concepts to real-world problems in a meaningful and thoughtful way.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Theology typically pursue careers in academia as professors, researchers, or scholars. Others may assume leadership roles in religious institutions, seminaries, or non-profit organizations, applying their theological expertise to teaching, leadership, and social engagement.

Please contact Dr. Suk Ho Moon (347) 749-4232