The Master of Arts in Global and Contextual Studies

The Master of Arts in Global and Contextual Studies (M.A.G.C.S.) builds upon an appropriate undergraduate degree and integrates insights from the other disciplines at Bethel Seminary. The program introduces students to the biblical, theological, historical, cultural/contextual, and strategic foundations for an informed and effective communication of the Christian message across cultures, whether overseas or among the growing ethnic populations within the United States. Students may enroll in either the traditional or the InMinistry version of the program.

Traditional M.A.G.C.S. students are required to complete a ministry practicum (supervised ministry experience) with an approved mentor (a minimum of one term of study) within a cross-cultural environment, either with an approved overseas partner or in a domestic environment with relevant opportunities for cross-cultural ministry in the U.S. Partners can be churches with significant cross-cultural ministries in the U.S.; mission agencies or field missionaries working among specific people groups or urban centers overseas; overseas seminaries; or overseas churches and national church leaders who target specific people groups or who have diversified or specialized urban ministries among multiple ethnic groups.

The InMinistry M.A.G.C.S. requires students to complete at least one intensive (or two courses) in an approved international context, and allows the option of completing as many as one-half of the normal on-campus intensives (or six intensive courses) at approved international extension sites. The remaining six intensives are offered at St. Paul, San Diego, or Bethel Seminary of the East locations.

The M.A.G.C.S. enhances the development of practical ministry skills related to the following key issues:

a relevant theology for effective cross-cultural ministry;
an accurate understanding of the contemporary world and its needs;
an interdisciplinary perspective for planning and leading effective ministries;
the cultural dimensions of effective global and contextual ministry;
the ability to accurately exegete a cultural—especially urban—context;
incarnational models for effective cross-cultural ministry;
contextualization of the Christian message; and
the utilization of points of contact within other religious traditions.

The seminary confers a Master of Arts degree in Global and Contextual Studies upon students who satisfactorily complete the prescribed program-related requirements. These include the completion of course requirements, participation in the assessment and evaluation program, the writing of a satisfactory personal statement of faith, achieving a grade point average of C (2.0) or above, financial clearance from the business office, and participation in graduation ceremonies. Graduation is not automatic when academic requirements have been met. Since the seminary aims to graduate men and women who qualify as Christian leaders, the faculty and administration will evaluate a student’s qualifications in terms of spiritual, doctrinal, and professional standards as well as academic standards

Degree Requirements