Earn Your Master of Arts in Christian Formation
Ministries of Christian formation create opportunities to invite the Holy Spirit into the lives of individuals and communities as a transformative presence. Earn your master of arts in Christian formation (MACF) to be better equipped to lead these ministries with a thorough foundation in the Bible, theology, and spiritual formation, as well as specialized coursework relevant to your context. Whether you are called as a children’s or youth pastor, camp director, or adult educator, the MACF will help you develop the skills you need to walk with your congregation or community as they seek God’s will and presence in their lives.
Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Max Lee
Dr. Max Lee is passionate about preparing students for lifetimes of pastoral ministry through theological education. “Training minds to think critically and theologically about our world is my call and mission in life,” he says.
Vocational Development
Community Life
At North Park Theological Seminary, our community extends beyond the classroom to support you and provide formational learning opportunities on campus and across Chicago. Our on-campus housing options, community events, and worship services will help you connect with your faculty, peers, and neighborhood.
Field Education
As a companion to your academic work in our Master of Arts in Christian Formation, you’ll complete seven credits of Field Education. Our Field Education program is designed to compliment the work in both the classroom and learning community while better preparing you for ministry. The program will include both cultural competency and theological reflection experiences, as well as supervised practical training in an internship.
Course Areas and Requirements
This 48-hour degree includes courses in the Bible, history, theology, spiritual formation, ministry, and Christian education and formation. You’ll also be able to select elective courses that fit your own educational goals and ministry context. The degree can be completed in four years of part-time study. Distance students join their classmates on campus twice a year for in-person intensive classes and participate in classes virtually across fall and spring semesters
Credentialing in the ECC
Ordination in the Evangelical Covenant Church is a multi-step process that requires advanced theological training. The Seminary has developed the MACF to prepare students for Ordination to Word and Service, and will also walk alongside you as you move into ministry and the credentialing process. Our Call to Ministry experience is designed specifically for individuals wanting to serve in Covenant churches.