Master of Arts in Christian Community Development : MACCD

Program Type

Masters Degree

Hours

54 Hours

Length

4 Years

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.

Requirements for Completion

Students in the MA program take classes one evening a week. Most classes will be scheduled Monday, occasionally on a Tuesday or Thursday. The MACCD can be completed in 3-4 years so that students can balance the course work with their commitments to family, work, and ministry. Students in the MDiv program will take 2-3 classes per quarter.

*Master of Divinity students will complete these CCD specialization courses as well as the other Master of Divinity requirements.

Click here for an updated Progress Report to help you to stay on track.

Courses

CCD Specialization Courses (24 total quarter hours)

  • Church-Based Community Development
  • Fall CCDA Conference
  • Nurturing Our Call
  • Understanding the City (in Lawndale)
  • Community and Economic Reconciliation
  • Race, Reconciliation, and Reparations
  • History of the American Urban Church

Capstone Thesis (3 quarter hours)

Christian Heritage Core Courses (27 total quarter hours)

  • Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
  • Pentateuch, Poetry and Wisdom Books
  • Historical Books and the Prophets
  • Women in the OT
  • Gospels and Acts
  • New Testament Letters and Revelation
  • Women in the NT
  • Christian Theology I
  • Christian Theology II
  • Theology and Gender
  • History of Christianity I (Early & Medieval)
  • History of Christianity II (Ref. & Modern)
  • Women in the Early Church
  • Women of Color in the Church
  • Introduction to the Black Church

Click here for an updated Progress Report.

Learn more about about the Master of Divinity option here.

FAQS

Check out our most common questions:

When does the next academic term begin? 

Northern Seminary does not run on a traditional semester calendar. Classes begin every 10 weeks. Open enrollment allows you to register throughout the year.

Are the classes virtual or in-person?

Northern classes are primarily virtual but include several in-person sessions per year.  

What are the costs for the program?

You can find tuition information here. You can also contact Josh Carney at 630.620.2188 or at jcarney@seminary.edu.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can apply for financial aid by filling out this application.

Are there scholarships available?

You can find scholarship information here.

Can I sit in on a class to get a feel for the program? 

Call and or email Greg Armstrong at 630-620-2175 or grarmstrong@seminary.edu for upcoming Taste of Northern events, which allow potential students to sit in on several of our current classes.

Who do I contact for more information?

Reach out to Greg Armstrong, Director of Enrollment, at admissions@seminary.edu.  

Student Stories

Read what our students have to say about their experiences here.

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