The forty-eight (48) credit hour MACF degree (plus seven credit hours of field education) focuses on Christian formation against a backdrop of selected foundational subjects and Christian Formation/Ministry electives. The MACF is designed to equip men and women for leadership in positions related to Christian formation in congregations. It may lead to Ordination to Word and Service in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Christian Formation degree is awarded to students who:
- Complete all Vocational and Spiritual Formation for Leadership evaluations and receive approval by faculty vote.
- Complete the required 48 semester hours of academic course work, plus 7 field education credit hours.
- Maintain a grade point average of 2.5. No grade under C- shall be counted toward the degree.
- Exemplify a quality of life and commitment suitable for ministry.
- Rectify all incomplete grades no later than week seven of the semester in which they plan to graduate.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the Seminary.
- Complete the degree program within seven (7) years from the time of matriculation.
Bible | 12 Credit Hours
| BIBL 5210 | Old Testament 1: Pentateuch & Interpretation | 3 |
| | | |
| BIBL 5220 | Old Testament 2: Prophets & Preaching Legacy | 3 |
| | Or | |
| BIBL 5230 | Old Testament 3: Wisdom & Israels Praise | 3 |
| | | |
| BIBL 5240 | New Testament 1: The Texts & Their World | 3 |
| BIBL 5250 | New Testament 2: The Texts & Their Theology | 3 |
History | 3 Credit Hours
| HSTY 5210 | Christian History 1: the Early Church to the Early Reformation (1-16c) | 3 |
Theology | 3 Credit Hours
Spiritual Formation | 3 Credit Hours
| SPFM 5201 | Journey: The Story of Our Lives | 1 |
| SPFM 5211 | Intercultural Spirituality: Praying Together | 1 |
| SPFM | Spiritual Formation Elective | |
Foundations in Christian Ministry | 9 Credit Hours
CEDF Electives | 6 Credit Hours
Students must take six semester hours in the area of Christian Education and Formation.
MNST Electives | 3 Credit Hours
Students must take three semester hours in the area of Christian Ministry.
Cultural Diversity Elective | 3 Credit Hours
Student selects one course from the following:
| BIBL 6290 | Intercultural Readings of the Bible | 3 |
| MNST 5110 | Religions and Cultures | 3 |
| MNST 6125 | Issues of Christian Faith in the Americas | 3 |
| MNST 6130 | The Gospel in Asian Context | 3 |
| MNST 6135 | Experiencing African Christianity | 3 |
| MNST 6140 | Experiencing Global Christianity | 3 |
| MNST 6151 | Cultural Dimensions of Mission | 3 |
| MNST 6152 | Rethinking Mission: Lessons From Christian Art History & Practice | 3 |
| MNST 6352 | Journey to Mosaic | 3 |
| MNST 6401 | Sankofa: Racial Righteousness & Reconciliation | 3 |
| THEO 5140 | Advanced Seminar in Theology | 3 |
On occasion, a 7190 Topics course which is not offered on a regular basis will fulfill an area requirement.
Denominational Elective | 3 Credit Hours
Students seeking ECC ordination are encouraged to take HSTY 6300 History and Theology of the Covenant Church (3 credit hours). Students from a denomination other than the Evangelical Covenant Church may take a course in their home denomination’s history, theology, and polity. Such courses may be taken through cross-registration at another school in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, or as an independent study with North Park faculty. Students not seeking ordination in any denomination may substitute any class by petition.
General Elective | 3 Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours for the Degree | 48 Credit Hours
Students are required to take 17 credit hours in residence at the main campus. Students are recommended for graduation when all requirements are fulfilled for the degree.
Field Education
Field education may be completed prior to, during, or post course completion for the MACF degree. The experiences designated as field education will be awarded seven (7) credit hours in addition to the forty- eight (48) credit hours required for the MACF degree.