Program Goals

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree program offers three emphases for students to choose from: Diakonia, Lutheran Theology and Practice, and Mission. It aims to equip students to be leaders in the respective ministerial contexts. The specific goals of different emphasis as below:

Emphasis on Diakonia

The curriculum design for this emphasis aims to equip students to be leaders in carrying out diaconal projects and training in the church or in diaconal institutions (e.g., Christian schools, medical institutions, and social services organizations). Upon completion, students will acquire:

• a solid understanding of diakonia as the Church’s core mission; 
• knowledge and skills in planning and implementing diakonia; 
• diaconal spirituality; and iv) capabilities in diaconal education.

Emphasis on Lutheran Theology and Practice

The curriculum design for this emphasis aims to equip students to reflect on Lutheran heritage and theology and to become leaders for service in Lutheran churches. Upon completion, the student:

• will acquire adequate knowledge of Lutheran heritage, history, and theology; 
• can reflect critically and constructively on theological issues in Lutheran churches and traditions within a pluralistic denominational context.

Emphasis on Mission

The curriculum design for this emphasis aims to equip students to carry out and support mission work in other countries as well as in their home countries. Upon completion, students will acquire: 

• the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection on mission ministry and on the relationship between Christian faith and the lives of people in other cultures; 
• capabilities in the design, implementation, and assessment of a holistic mission ministry encompassing proclamation, diakonia, sensitivity to cultural differences, and advocacy for social justice; 
• an understanding of the disciplines that undergird mission ministry;
• growth in personal and spiritual maturity and in the ability to be a witness for Christ in this world.

Admission Requirements​​​​​​​

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution recognized by LTS; and
• Applicants must have been baptized for at least one year prior to application for study; and
• Applicants should have the interests, aptitudes, and personal qualities necessary for this program; and
• The ability to engage in graduate-level study for academic pursuits and personal development.

Further Study

A Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree holder can continue to study for the Master of Divinity / Master of Arts in specific emphasis / Master of Arts in Theology programs at LTS and credits can be exempted.

(course credits in brackets)

i) Common Core Course

OT1000 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)　
NT1000 Introduction to the New Testament (3)　
CT1000 Introduction to Christian Ethics (3)　
MC1000 Introduction to Missiology (3)　
DM2009 Dogmatics (Module A) (3)

ii) Guided Electives

Emphasis on Diakonia
Core Courses (4 courses)
　DK2000/OT2012/NT2011 Biblical Perspectives on Diakonia (3)
　DK2019/CH2016 Diaconal Theology and Practices in History (3)
　DK3000 Diakonia and Leadership (3)
　DK3001 Diaconal Practicum (3)
Guided Electives (2 courses) (6)
　Courses on Diakonia (DK); or
　CP2036 Counseling Theories and Practices; or
　RC3007/DM3018 Public Theology

Emphasis on Lutheran Theology and Practice
Core Courses (4 courses) (12)
　HT2001/DM2001 Theology of Martin Luther
　HT2002/CT2002 Ethics of Martin Luther
　WL2003 Lutheran Worship: History and Theology
　HT3000/DM3008 Contextual Luther Studies in Asia
　HT3001/DM3015 Luther Interpretations
　HT3002/DM3000 Lutheran Confessions
　HM3000 Law and Gospel Distinction in Preaching
Guided Electives (2 courses) (6)
　Courses on Lutheran Theology and Practice; or
　Courses on Leadership (LD); or
　Courses on Practical Theology

Emphasis on Mission
Core Courses (2 courses) (6)
　DK2019/CH2016 Diaconal Theology and Practices in History
　MC3009/PT3010 Cultural Exploration and Mission
Guided Electives (4 courses) (12)
　Courses on Missiology (MC); or 
　Courses on Religion and Culture (RC)

iii) Free Electives

3 courses (9)

Remarks:

• A bachelor’s degree holder with a major in Christianity, a maximum of 18 credits on the foundational theological training can be exempted.