Competency-Based Masters Level Program: Flexible, Contextual, and Experience-Focused
Through Empower, students pursue a Master of Arts or Certificate in Christian Leadership while remaining in their ministry context. Our competency-based delivery format offers a customizable learning plan, regular meetings with mentors, and in-context ministry activities designed to form students into effective leaders wherever they are called. Graduates of our Master of Arts or Certificate in Christian Leadership are empowered to flourish in personal and ministry life.
theological education that acknowledges your experience
What do you do when you are called to pursue Theological Education while staying in your context?
Calvin Theological Seminary offers a unique way to gain the leadership skills and personal formation needed for effective ministry. Watch the overview video below to understand more.
The program at a glance
Collaborative & Contextual
Students work with a team of three mentors - faculty, vocational, and personal - to grow in competency for ministry. The mentor team supports the student through a designed learning path, taking into account prior experience, strengths, growth areas, ministry context, vocational goals, and more.
Integrated & Practical
Students develop interdisciplinary, multifaceted, and integrated competencies. Each of these competencies involves a combination of content, character, and craft. Students grow holistically through a robust process of contextual learning experiences and feedback from the mentor team.
Flexible & Adaptable
Student learning is self-paced and can be shaped to fit the student and ministry context. Our Standard and Partner Learning Paths are approved by the Calvin Seminary Next Steps Faculty Committee.
Experience-Focused Learning
On The Forum, Empower students can find podcast series, articles, events, and other educational content to equip them for ministry leadership and skill development, regardless of context or location.