Master of Arts in Christian Community Development

Program Description

In the Master of Arts in Christian Community Development (MACCD), students study the complex social and cultural issues facing urban communities, including racism, poverty, and violence, and integrate the principles of Christian Community Development in their own context.

The program, a partnership with Lawndale Community Church and working with the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), is led by “Coach” Wayne Gordon, the co-founder of CCDA. Courses will be taught by Wayne Gordon, with participation from John Perkins.

In this program, students will engage with complex social and cultural issues facing urban communities, including racism, poverty, and violence, and integrate the principles of Christian Community Development in their own context. The program also provides a foundation of biblical knowledge, theology, and church history, focusing on urban theology and the history of the urban church in America.

Delivery: On Campus or Distance

The MACCD is available either on campus or distance education through a combination of interactive live-streaming and mentored learning in context. The core and specialization classes are delivered to students around the world via our state-of-the-art, interactive live-streaming technology. With Northern’s smart classroom technology, you can interact with the professor and other students no matter where you live, earning a seminary degree without leaving your church and community.

All students will attend one-week intensive classes linked to the annual CCDA conferences. Students will also take two intensive classes in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.

Accommodations for Intensive Classes

Hotel: Students may stay at the Hotel Chicago. Students will take the Pink Line train from the hotel to Lawndale Community Church.

Airbnb: Students may also find housing through Airbnb in the Lawndale area.