Master of Arts in Christian Education
The purpose of the program for the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) is to prepare leaders of the educational mission of the Church, to “invite people and communities of faith to be transformed as they are inspired and challenged to know and experience God through Jesus Christ, claim and live God’s promises, and grow and serve as Christian disciples.” (From the document Foundations for the Ministry of Christian Education of The United Methodist Church.)
Those who pursue this degree might seek to be in ministry as a certified director or minister of Christian education, a certified director or minister of youth, a deacon, a curriculum designer, writer or editor, a director of a Christian camp, a director of leisure ministries, a teacher of religion or Christian education in a college or seminary (after completion of doctoral studies), a skilled lay educator, or a resource person on a district or conference staff.
By the end of the program, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. a solid Biblical, theological, ethical and historical grounding;
2. the capacity to reflect theologically on the content and processes of educational ministry;
3. the ability to interpret the faith in contemporary terms;
4. an appreciation of the cultural influences on the educational context;
5. a knowledge of developmental theory and the ability to apply it;
6. authentic methods for communicating with persons at various age levels and in intergenerational settings;
7. competence in curriculum design, writing and use;
8. the ability to work creatively with groups;
9. the leadership skills of teachers, counselors, parents and learners in different settings;
10. an affirmative attitude about team ministry and competence in cooperative approaches to ministry;
11. a wide view of Christian Education which includes teaching, preaching, liturgy, sacramental life, evangelism, pastoral care, leadership, outreach and social action;
12. spiritual depth and maturity at personal and corporate levels, and knowledge of ways and resources to strengthen the spiritual life of persons throughout the life span.
Course Requirements:
A total of 58 credit hours are required for the MACE degree.
BIBLICAL STUDIES (9 HOURS)
Introductory and advanced coursework in the study of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.HISTORICAL STUDIES (3 HOURS)
Studies in early church history, the medieval and reformation periods, and a special topics seminar.THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (9 HOURS)
Introductory and advanced coursework in Christian Theology and Christian Ethics.PRACTICAL THEOLOGY STUDIES (16 HOURS)
Introductory and advanced coursework in several practical areas of ministry, including Christian Education, Church Leadership, Pastoral Care, Cross-Cultural Studies, Worship and Music, Homiletics, and Field Education. Also includes a one hour Consultative Group completed during the first semester of enrollment.ELECTIVES (21 HOURS)
Electives in the MACE program break down as follows:• 3 credit hours are committed to additional coursework from Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, or Theological Studies.
• 6 credit hours are limited electives comprised of the student’s choice of the following offerings: Group Life, Sacraments of Initiation and
Eucharist, Teaching and Learning, and Theology and Practices of Ministry.
• 12 credit hours are rationalized electives chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor (who will be a member of the Christian
Education faculty). United Methodist students seeking ordination may choose courses to fulfill those requirements as nine credit hours of
rationalized electives.
OPTIONAL SPECIALIZATION IN YOUTH MINISTRY
For the MACE with Specialization in Youth Ministry, three courses are required:
• ED-011, Ministry with/for/by Youth (3 credit hours)
• ED-012, Adolescent World (3 credit hours)
• WM/ED-354, Sacraments of Initiation and Eucharist (3 credit hours) ED-011 and ED-012 would constitute six credit hours of rationalized
electives. WM/ED-354 may constitute one of the two limited electives for the degree.
