Masters in Christian Leadership

Prepare to Lead with Confidence Through Leland Seminary’s Master of Christian Leadership

God is still calling leaders—and the Church needs men and women who are ready to answer with wisdom, maturity, and skill. If you feel stirred to guide others in ministry, strengthen congregations, or serve through parachurch organizations, Leland Seminary’s Master of Christian Leadership is designed to help you step into that calling with clarity and credibility.

This dynamic graduate program equips you to serve effectively in a wide range of ministry roles, combining deep biblical and theological study with practical leadership development. You’ll explore foundational coursework in the Old and New Testaments, Christian Theology, and Spiritual Formation, while also selecting specialized courses that support your unique interests and ministry direction.

Just as importantly, you’ll gain real-world leadership tools that today’s ministry environments demand. And you’ll learn how to grow your ministry by developing your skills in spiritual and organizational leadership. You’ll also develop practical ministry skills for serving in a world that is diverse, fast-changing, and spiritually hungry.

This high-impact degree is offered with an online option, allowing you to pursue your calling without putting life on pause. Courses are taught by a trusted faculty of scholars and ministry leaders—many of whom are currently serving as pastors and ministry practitioners.

Expand Your Ministry Leadership Capacity

Strengthen your ability to lead, preach, organize, and steward resources with excellence—so your ministry can grow in both health and impact.

Learn from Experienced Mentors

Be shaped by instructors who understand ministry from the inside out—leaders who have navigated real challenges and celebrated real victories in the work of the Church.

What You’ll Be Equipped to Do

By the time you complete the Master of Christian Leadership, you’ll be prepared to:

• Build effective approaches to spiritual and emotional restoration within the Church

• Craft and deliver transformational, Scripture-centered messages that speak truth into real life

• Apply proven ministry principles that support renewal, revitalization, and healthy church growth

• Lead with discernment and integrity by understanding key issues that help you avoid common pastoral and leadership pitfalls

Leadership Rooted in Scripture, Formed for Today

Leland Seminary’s online master’s program offers a thorough study of leadership through the lens of Christian faith and biblical truth. You’ll begin by examining the scriptural foundations of leadership, studying patterns, principles, and examples found throughout the Bible.

As you explore the lives of leaders in Scripture, you’ll uncover enduring lessons that translate directly into today’s ministry challenges. The result is a program that doesn’t just inform—it forms you into a leader prepared to serve faithfully, lead wisely, and make a lasting difference.

What Will I Study?

Ministry & Leadership Formation Studies

• Spiritual Formation (3 hours)

• Theology & Practice of Leadership (3 hours)

• Modern Theories of Leadership (3 hours)

• Covenant Group (6 semesters)

Biblical Studies

• Tools Based Bible Study (3 hours)

• Old Testament I or New Testament I (3 hours)

Theological & Philosophical Studies

• Introduction to Theological Studies (3 hours)

• Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 hours)

• Systematic Theology I & II (6 hours) 

Electives (6 hours)

Focused Leadership Studies

• Leadership Practicum (3 hours)

*Total credit hours = 36 *New curriculum requirements as of the 2021-22 Academic Catalog