MA-THEO: TCMC - Cross-cultural Ministry Center (MA) (106 units)

The curriculum of the CMC seeks to form faithful missionary pastors to launch and develop culture-crossing ministries. It is comprised of three interlinked components:

1. Coursework for a Master of Arts in Theology (Theology and Culture emphasis)

2. Courses preparing students for pastoral ministry (required for certification as an ordained minister)

3. Concurrent vicarage experience. All coursework in the CMC is embedded in real life ministry and mission experience, the “CMC Missional Vicarage.” It is 4+ years, part of the requirements for completing the CMC curriculum, and runs concurrently with coursework. It consists of planning activities, carrying out those activities, and then journaling your progress. In the first half of the Missional Vicarage, vicars carry out basic mission and ministry activities at a Lutheran church. In the second half, vicars plan and finally launch and develop a new culture-crossing ministry in the community. All of this is closely coordinated with district facilitators and carried out under the guidance of a local congregation, a Mentor Pastor, and a Concordia Faculty Supervisor. This vicarage experience and the submission of the final Vicarage Portfolio replace the thesis for the Master of Arts in Theology (Theology and Culture emphasis).

Additionally, those who speak English as their native and sole language must become familiar with a modern spoken language other than English by successfully completing six semester credits (or equivalent) of undergraduate-level language courses with a "C" or better before receiving certification. The modern language must be one that will help the student with his New Ministry Start during his vicarage.

Attendance: CMC students will typically be required to attend four summer intensives in order to complete the required courses. Only one class period of a summer intensive may be missed, and only with permission of both instructor and program director.