Master of Arts in Christian Formation

Christian formation ministries facilitate the space and opportunity through which the Holy Spirit is invited to be a transformational presence in peoples' lives. Ministers of Christian formation work in a a wide range of contexts, encouraging continued growth toward the values and virtues of Christ in their communities. 

Learning Goals

North Park's MACF is designed to equip women and men for effective leadership and engagement in a wide array of Christian formation ministries, in both the parish and the community. Read the full list of degree outcomes in the NPTS catalog.

Curriculum Requirements

The MACF curriculum is designed to provide a survey knowledge of Bible, Christian history, and theology, with room to specialize in an area of formation ministry. The following tools are designed to help you plan your studies.

• MACF curriculum
• MACF suggested course sequence
• MACF core sheet
• Field education requirements

The MACF degree can prepare you for Ordination to Specialized Ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church. For students who know they wish to pursue this credential after graduation, we have outlined a specific curriculum that meets the ordination requirements.

• MACF-Ordination curriculum
• MACF-Ordination suggested course sequence
• MACF-Ordination core sheet
• Field education requirements

Non-Academic Requirements

North Park Theological Seminary prepares women and men for ministry in its many forms, through both academic training and spiritual formation. The evaluative processes throughout your program aid in assessing your progress both academically and spiritually, as well you in your ongoing vocational discernment. You will participate in the following as a student in the MACF program:

First Year

• First Week: New students are invited to campus during the week prior to the start of classes to become familiarized with the Seminary community and available resources.
• Vocational Excellence: The Seminary is committed to preparing you both academically and formationally for a call to ministry. All students will participate in the Vocational Excellence field education experience, which includes several assessment pieces. On-campus students should register for this in the first semester.
• Field Education Planning: During your first year, you should meet with the field education faculty to devise a plan to complete your field education requirements throughout your Seminary program. A plan should be in place before you go through the Degree Candidacy evaluation.

Midway

• Degree Candidacy: Following the completion of one-third of your degree program, typically  in the spring of the first year, you will apply for degree candidacy, helping make sure you are on track in your program.
• Field Education Credits: You should be well under way in your required field education experiences, including having a plan to complete the Internship Residency component. Contact the Field Education Office with any questions about completing your requirements.

Final Year

• End of Studies: At the completion of two-thirds of their degree program, you will begin this evaluation program which will aid in determining your readiness for ministry.
• Call to Ministry: Students anticipating ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church should begin this process in the fall of their final year, which will connect you with superintendents and churches in the ECC.
• Graduation: The Seminary Commencement and Consecration Service is a chance for the whole NPTS community to celebrate graduating students and wish them well on their journeys in ministry.