Formational Leadership (MAFL)
Degree: Master of Arts: Formational Leadership
Introduction
The Master of Arts in Formational Leadership degree is an interconnected learning community designed to equip globally-minded ministry leaders in holistic self-care, digital age communication, emotional intelligence, formative leadership principles, storytelling, and global engagement. This 30-credit degree program seeks to transform individual leaders while setting a course for healthy influence within a global village. Biblical, theological, and historical models of interior leadership and influence will be studied concerning their impact on the 21st-century church.
Program Purpose
This program prepares students to serve as leaders in the church and society through developing a biblical framework, missional convictions, and the ability to influence with integrity. Particular emphasis on character formation, soul-care, and practical faith practices will be central to the curriculum. Ministry leaders will be equipped to evaluate and care for their own souls as the basis for leading and participating in the mission of God in the global church and marketplace.
Educational Philosophy
Our educational philosophy guides our approach to teaching and learning, course design, and faculty selection.
We believe that ministry leaders need to both think and do well. Therefore, we commit to providing students with a solid biblical and theological foundation and the tools to continue exploring and applying Scripture as lifelong learners. We believe the Bible offers philosophical and practical foundations for ministry in any context. Therefore, classroom content and Scriptural principles are integrated and applied to professional practice in every course. At the same time, we commit to preparing students with the knowledge and skills for ministry as leaders, caregivers, teachers, and disciple-makers.
We believe that the character of the leader is crucial for impacting ministry. Therefore, courses seek not only to educate the mind in ministry competencies but also to nurture the development of biblical character qualities in our students. We recognize that ministry leaders lead out of who they are and are becoming. Therefore, we commit to integrating spiritual formation to develop spiritual, emotional, and physical health in ministry leaders' personal and professional lives.
We believe adults learn more effectively in nurturing communities. Therefore, the graduate student is viewed as a self-directed learner. Adult learning methods are emphasized, making the classroom environment an educational workshop that emphasizes interactive methods that utilize the professor's and student's unique gifts and life experiences.
We believe in life-long education. Therefore, courses emphasize critical thinking skills related to life and ministry and provide practical research skills for maintaining continuing education in Christian ministry beyond a formal degree program. We recognize that our ministry contexts are diverse and rapidly changing. Therefore, we commit to developing students who know their context and who can exegete culture and Scripture.
Location: Online
Program Outcomes
- Biblical Philosophy of Ministry: The student will formulate a philosophy of ministry respective to their ministry community and culture, which is biblically founded, practical, missional, and culturally sensitive.
- Global and Contextual Application: The student will generate a global understanding and praxis of relationships through strategic community formation residencies.
- Spiritual Health and Ministry Integrity: The student will cultivate a moral, ethical, and spiritual foundation necessary for personal spiritual growth and sustainable ministry.
- Team Mentoring and Professional Experience: The student will build effective personal and professional relationships based on mutual support and accountability for the purpose of intentional ministry team development.
- Biblical Communication Skills: The student will formulate theological skill sets leading to an integration of the person, ministry, and life of the leader for the purpose of communication.
- Ministry Leadership Skills: The student will develop leadership competencies for the purpose of influence in a digital culture.
MAFL Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Core Competency # 1 – Greater Focus on the Self-Care and the Spiritual Journey
Healthy, sustainable ministry leadership must be grounded in a solid personal connection with God. Graduate curricula can sometimes erroneously assume that pastors and leaders have a regular devotional life beyond message preparation and speaking engagements. However, research shows that nearly 90% of pastors rely on sermon prep as their time in the Word of God. (Willow Creek Reveal Study).
Within the MAFL curriculum, an emphasis on soul-care, spiritual disciplines, “leadership” community formation, and the care of the whole self seeks to address the ongoing spiritual growth of the ministry leader. This emphasis is reflected in courses that address spiritual assessment, communication, counseling, discipleship, emotional intelligence, and personal soul care.
| MFL 501 | Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader | 3 |
| MFL 502 | Integrative Theology | 3 |
| MFL 504 | Restoration & Reconciliation | 3 |
| MFL 506 | Global Community Formation | 3 |
| MFL 510 | Seasons of the Soul in Leadership | 3 |
Core Competency # 2 – Ministering in a Global Digital Age
All ministry occurs in a local context and to “the world.” Jesus’s commission to the church was global in scope (Mt. 28:18-20), yet we fulfill that mission in a particular time and place. As the digital age continues to unfold and access to the internet expands, the world increasingly exists as a global village. Research on the “Great Migration” indicates that 75% of those polled no longer live in their country of origin. Indeed, even the most remote people groups have access to cellphones or the internet, enabling them to connect with others instantaneously.
We recognize that ministry is deeply dependent on a proper understanding of the Bible, theology, leadership, and organizational development. Ministry leaders must be adaptable, resilient, and integrated with their approach in a global digital age. To better prepare students for ministry to “the whole world,” this curriculum utilizes an interdisciplinary approach (Bible/Theology, leadership, team-building, and organizational leadership).
| MFL 503 | Emotional Intelligence & Digital Age Communication | 3 |
| MFL 505 | Leadership as Influence | 3 |
| MFL 507 | Theology of Organization | 3 |
| MFL 508 | Shaping Resilient Teams | 3 |
| MFL 509 | Communication as Story | 3 |
Competency #3 - Global Experiences
While online education provides the flexibility most adult learners need, many offer few opportunities for in-person, face-to-face connection. The MAFL degree seeks to provide students with a unique online learning community by providing multiple opportunities within the program for students to gather in person for experiential learning and relational connection. These residency experiences provide relational space for learning reinforcement, ministry observation, and group processing.
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
In addition to the standard global education admission requirements, admission to the MAFL program also requires an interview with the MAFL program director or lead mentor. This admission interview permits the applicant and the director to assess their fittingness for the upcoming cohort.
Application Process
The MAFL program operates as a closed-cohort model to preserve and promote the relational trust fostered within cohorts over the two years of the program. Therefore, students are only admitted to the program when a new cohort is launched.
Application Response
Retention
Graduation
Program Director
Aaron Brown serves as director of the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership and Master of Divinity: Formational Leadership. Additionally, he is the Associate Chair in the Church and Ministry Leadership Department at Capital Seminary. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Biola University and a Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA.
Aaron’s primary research interests include spiritual formation, discipleship, and the spiritual health of ministry leaders. He has presented on these subjects at workshops, retreats, and training conferences. Outside of his work at LBC | Capital, Aaron has served in various ministry roles related to teaching, discipleship, strategic leadership, and youth ministry. He enjoys guiding teams through brainstorming and strategic planning work to solve their pressing ministry challenges.
Faculty
Mr. Aaron Brown, MDiv
Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, DMin
Dr. Guy Higashi, PhD
Dr. Paul Leavenworth, EdD