Master of Arts in Christian Formation Seeking Ordination Curriculum
The following list includes the requirements for completing the academic coursework toward master of art's in Christian formation (MACF) degree, with the intention to seek Ordination to Specialized Ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Students who do not wish to seek this credential should consult the general MACF curriculum requirements to ensure they are on the correct track. Course offerings will vary from year to year; please consult the current academic course calendars for planning information. You may also find the suggested MACF course sequence helpful as you plan.
Bible: 12 credit hours
These courses are required for all MACF students:
- BIBL 5150 Interpreting the New Testament I
- BIBL 5151 Interpreting the New Testament II
- BIBL 6120 Interpreting the Old Testament I
- BIBL 6121 Interpreting the Old Testament II
History: 3 credit hours
This courses is required for all MACF students:
- HSTY 6210 Christian Tradition and Mission
Theology: 3 credit hours
This courses is required for all MACF students:
- THEO 6330 Christian Theology
Spiritual Formation: 3 credit hours
The spiritual formation sequence seeks to integrate the ongoing spiritual and academic dimensions of the seminary experience in order to facilitate conscious growth in personal and corporate spiritual life. All students must take the following two courses:
- SPFM 5201 Spiritual Journey
- SPFM 5202 Spiritual Practices
The final credit in this sequence may be elected from the following course options which focus on the critical issues and practices for spiritual growth, including prayer, reflection, spiritual direction, and service in the church:
- SPFM 6303 Embodiment
- SPFM 6304 Spiritual Direction and Solitude
- SPFM 7205 Hostility to Hospitality
Theology of Service: 3 credit hours
Students will select one course from the following:
- THEO 7220 Christian Ethics
- THEO 6334 Theological and Ethical Foundations of Justice
- THEO 5175 Ethics of Caring and Health
- THEO 7190 Health and Justice
ECC Ordination Requirements: 9 credit hours
These courses are required for all MACF students seeking Ordination to Specialized Ministry:
- HSTY 7511 History of the ECC
- THEO 7203 Christian Worship
- THEO 7501 Theology of the ECC
Christian Education and Formation and Ministry Electives: 12 credit hours
Students must take a combination of Christian Education and Formation (CEDF) and Ministry (MNST) courses with at least one three-credit course from each field. The flexibility in this requirement allows students to choose a "specialty" while also gaining experience in a wide variety of formational ministry areas. CEDF and MNST courses are grouped by the subject areas that lead to ministry certificates offered by the Seminary.
Students who are not planning to seek ordination in the ECC have different elective requirements, and should consult the appropriate curriculum requirements.
General Elective: 3 credit hours
Total Credit Hours for the Degree: 48 credit hours
Students are required to take 24 credit hours in residence at the main campus.
Field Education
In addition to these academic requirements, students must complete 7 credits of field education. See
Field Education Requirements for details.