The Master of Church Planting (M.C.P.) is a graduate program designed to equip individuals with advanced knowledge, skills, and strategies for establishing and leading new Christian congregations. This degree is intended for those who have a calling to plant churches, engage in missional work, and bring the transformative message of the Gospel to communities and regions where the Church is not well-established.
Program Objectives:
- Develop a theological foundation: The M.C.P. program aims to provide students with a solid understanding of biblical theology, missiology, and the principles of church planting, enabling them to establish new congregations on a firm theological basis.
- Cultivate leadership and entrepreneurial skills: Students will acquire leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and entrepreneurial mindset necessary for establishing and leading new church plants, mobilizing resources, and engaging with diverse communities.
- Equip in cross-cultural ministry: The program emphasizes the development of cross-cultural competency, equipping students to navigate diverse cultural contexts, engage with different ethnic groups, and effectively communicate the Gospel in multicultural settings.
- Foster discipleship and community building: Graduates will be equipped with skills to develop discipleship processes, create nurturing communities, and facilitate spiritual growth in the context of new church plants.
- Engage in practical training and mentorship: The M.C.P. program provides opportunities for students to engage in practical training, internships, and mentorship under experienced church planters, enabling them to learn from real-world experiences.
Potential Career and Educational Options:
- Church Planter: Graduates of the M.C.P. program can become church planters, initiating and leading new congregations in diverse contexts, reaching unreached people groups, and establishing vibrant Christian communities.
- Missions Leadership: The degree equips individuals to serve in leadership roles within mission organizations, overseeing church planting initiatives, training and equipping church planters, and strategizing for effective mission work.
- Pastoral Ministry: Graduates can serve as pastors or leaders in established churches, utilizing their church planting expertise to revitalize existing congregations and engage in missional outreach.
- Church Planting Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants, providing guidance and support to church planting teams, helping them navigate the challenges of starting new churches, and offering expertise in strategic planning and ministry development.
- Further Education: The M.C.P. degree serves as a foundation for individuals interested in pursuing advanced degrees such as a Doctorate in Church Planting or related fields. Graduates can specialize in specific areas of church planting research, missiology, or teach at an advanced level.