Master of Arts in Theology and Mission : MATM
Program Type
Hours
54 HoursLength
4 YearsThe Master of Arts in Theology and Mission (MATM) focuses on the mission of God in today’s cultural contexts. The program seeks to develop leaders who can effectively proclaim the gospel through missional theology, contextual reflection, and ministry experience. It will broaden understanding of God’s mission and it is specifically designed to be affordable, local, and communal. The program equips you for local and sustainable mission by offering a strong biblical and theological base for engaging in God’s mission and for leading a community on mission. This specialization is available both as a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degree. The program is directed by Mike Moore.
The MATM features a rotation of visiting professors such as Dr. Stanley Hauerwas (2018), Dr. Reggie Williams (2019), Dr. Kyuboem Lee (2021), and Dr. Drew Hart (2022).
Innovative Program
Leading a church in mission is difficult, requiring more effort than the maintenance of activities. Beyond the skills of preaching, teaching, counseling, and evangelism, pastors need the skills of theological reflection, cultural analysis, and building local community. This program includes all the courses in Bible, Church History, and Theology that you need, but goes further. You will develop theological, missiological, and leadership skills to be a missionary pastor in the North American mission field.
Why the MATM Is Unique
- It’s local. Be part of a growing community of theologian-practitioners by remaining in your local ministry context while pursuing this degree through attendance in-person or interactive live-stream.
- It’s faculty. Faculty include leading thinkers such as Dr. David Fitch, Dr. Beth Felker Jones, Dr. Nijay Gupta and Dr. Lynn Cohick.
- Brady Theology and Mission Lectureship. Once a year, we have a world-class missional thinker give open lectures on theology and mission that doubles as a class. Past lecturers have included Stanley Hauerwas, Reggie Williams, Fleming Rutledge, Michael Gorman, and Willie Jennings.
Delivery: On Campus or Distance
The program is available on campus or via interactive live-streaming. Smart classroom technology enables you to interact with our premier faculty and engage in Northern’s vibrant classroom experience without leaving your faith community.
Additionally, there are four on-campus intensives (two pre-fall, two post-spring). Students are automatically enrolled in the intensive courses as they proceed through the program. However, each student can choose when to take these intensives as it fits with their schedule. See the course list below for more details. The syllabi for these intensives are posted at least two months prior to the course and will require some rudimentary pre-class reading.
V-3 Learning Cohorts
V-3 Learning CohortsAre you a church planter? Our V3 Learning Cohorts allow you to learn and grow with like-minded others. When you join a V3 Learning Cohort, you can earn advanced standing credits with the Masters in Theology and Mission from Northern Seminary. Learn more >
Requirements for Completion
The MATM program requires 54 credit hours. The MA program has two options to complete the program:
- Complete the program in four years by taking one class at a time on either Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday.
- Complete the program in two years by taking two classes each quarter on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Thursday.
Click here for an updated Progress Report to help you to stay on track.
Courses
MATM Courses Include:
* Indicates on-campus, intensive courses
Specialization Courses:
- Mission-Shaped Church – MN 433
- Cultural Exegesis- CT 333
- Christianity and Pluralism – TH 406
- Sexual Ethics and the Family – TE 417
- Theology of Church and Culture – TH 303
- Topics in Missional Theology 1 + 2 *(visiting professors: June annual)
- Discerning the Triune God – TH 431
- Duties to Biblical Interpretation – IN 304
Christian Heritage Core Courses:
- Introduction to Biblical Interpretation – IN 304
- Pentateuch, Poetry and Wisdom Books – OT 307
- Historical Books and the Prophets – OT 308
- Women in the OT – WT 307
- Gospels and Acts – NT 307
- New Testament Letters and Revelation – NT 308
- Women in the NT – WT 308
- Christian Theology I – TH 301
- Christian Theology II – TH 302
- Theology and Gender – WS 309
- History of Christianity I (Early & Medieval) – CH 301
- History of Christianity II (Ref. & Modern) – CH 302
- Women in the Early Church – WT 311
- Women of Color in the Church – WT 310
- Introduction to the Black Church – CT 324
Master of Divinity students will complete these MATM specialization courses as well as the other Master of Divinity requirements.
FAQS
Student Stories
Read what our students have to say about their experiences here.