Master of Arts in Christian Formation
Equipping the discipleship ministry of the church
Master of Arts in Christian Formation at North Park Theological Seminary
Prepare to lead ministries focused on discipleship, spiritual growth, and Christian formation in churches and educational settings. In the Master of Arts in Christian Formation (MACF) program, you’ll build a strong foundation in Bible, theology, church history, spiritual formation, and ministry practice while engaging in hands-on fieldwork.
You’ll be equipped for roles such as children’s or youth pastor, camp director, or adult educator, emphasizing Scripture interpretation, cultural awareness, and practical ministry skills. Designed for those balancing work and ministry, the cohort model fosters community and aims to develop a clear ministerial identity, making it ideal for those seeking Ordination to Word and Service with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
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Program length and modalities
This is a part-time, cohort-driven program that students complete in four years. It consists of 48 credit hours and seven field-education credit hours.
It can be completed as a distance, commuter, or residential student in our Ignite (West), Equip (Midwest), or Chicago cohort. All students work online during the spring and fall semesters, and travel to their cohort location for annual in-person immersion experiences.
Plan your program
Featured courses
BIBL 6290 – Intercultural Readings of the Bible
The course interprets select biblical texts from the Old and New Testaments with an appreciation for how African American, Asian American, Latin American, and other ethnic American scholars hear these same texts from their respective cultural locations and social histories. Special attention is given to exegetical method, theological reflection, and cultural hermeneutics.
CEDF 5100 – Christian Education and Formation In the Church
This course introduces the tensions and dimensions of historical, theological, and pedagogical foundations of Christian Formation. Students discuss leadership concerns as pastors of Christian formation and engage in a broad awareness of Christian formation in the Church.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
MACF students learn to see formation not as something that happens to others, but as a lifelong practice for themselves and their communities. We’re shaping leaders who can nurture faith with wisdom, creativity, and grace.
—Dr. Carolyn Poterek
Contact
Office of Seminary Admissions
Old Main, third floor
3225 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-6229
semadmissions@northpark.edu