Master of Strategic Ministry

group discussion photoChristian leaders minister in a complex and rapidly changing world. Effective leadership in this context requires a biblically-based philosophy of ministry, skillful analysis of cultural dynamics, the capacity to think and plan strategically, and the ability to lead and equip people to extend the kingdom of God in His world. The Master of Strategic Ministry degree involves a partnership between Johnson University and the church that equips students for this kind of effective, strategic Christian leadership.

The degree includes online coursework in strategic ministry, a research trip to Israel, and a 9-month ministry apprenticeship at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona, at one of several churches in Indianapolis, Indiana, or at Real Life Christian Church in Orlando, Florida. Students complete a Leadership Core and can choose a concentration including: church administration, church planting, intercultural studies, pastoral ministry, youth ministry, urban ministry, children and family, special needs, Hispanic ministry, sports management, or worship/production. Throughout the degree, apprentices are mentored by Johnson University faculty and staff.

Students will benefit from Johnson’s accreditation, affordable tuition, and an experienced and engaged faculty passionate about each student’s success. 

Concentration Sampling

  • The Church Administration concentration prepares students to analyze various administrative techniques and choose the best techniques to efficiently manage particular church and ministry programs.
  • The Church Planting concentration trains students to analyze strategies for extending a church’s mission through the planting of additional sites or congregations.
  • The Intercultural Studies concentration trains students to evaluate various mission strategies and choose strategies that will best empower a particular church or ministry to make local and global kingdom impact.
  • The Pastoral Ministry concentration equips students to integrate pastoral leadership skills developed through research into actual ministry circumstances.
  • The Youth Ministry concentration trains students to analyze strategies to minister to and with junior high and high school students and their families that develop them into disciples of Jesus.
  • The Children & Family concentration trains students to analyze strategies to minister to and with children and their families that develop them into disciples of Jesus.
  • The Special Needs concentration trains students to coordinate, execute, and analyze meaningful ministry to and with people who have special needs.
  • The Sports Management concentration trains students to evaluate various sports ministry opportunities and to develop those that will best help a church minister to people in its particular community.
  • The Worship concentration equips students to evaluate philosophies and methods of leading others in worship and develop a philosophy and choose methods that best serve a particular context.

When students complete this program, they will be able to do the following:

  • Integrate the character traits Jesus exemplified in his ministry into their own lives, leadership styles, and ministries.
  • Analyze biblical teachings and contemporary approaches to leadership to develop their own philosophies of strategic ministry.
  • Implement and continually reevaluate and revise their philosophies of leadership through strategic management of people and resources.

For a comprehensive list regarding program goals and objectives, see the catalog.

Professional Area Course Sampling
Theology and Dynamics of Strategic Leadership
Contextual Implementation of Strategic Leadership
Bible Lands
Fundamentals Of Strategic Leadership
People And Resource Management
Program Management
Advanced Strategic Leadership
Congregational Leadership

 

The Master of Strategic Ministry program is offered at these locations:

Indianapolis location logoIndian Creek Christian Church
6430 S. Franklin Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46259
 
with possible residency placement at one of the following churches:
Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood, IN 46143
Indian Creek Christian Church, 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46259
Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie Road, Greenfield, IN 46140
Plainfield Christian Church, 800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield, IN 46168
White River Christian Church, 1685 N. 10th Street, Noblesville, IN 46060
BLOC Ministries, 611 Burns St, Cincinnati, OH 45215
 
Phoenix location logoChrist's Church of the Valley
7007 W. Happy Valley Rd
Peoria, AZ 85383
 
Phoenix location logoReal Life Christian Church
1501 Steve's Road
Clermont, FL 34711
 

Ready to apply? View our admissions information, affordable tuition or online application.
Or request additional info.