MA in theology, ministry and mission
MA in theology, ministry and mission: African Christian Diaspora route
We are excited to announce a new route through our MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission. It focuses on the African Christian Diaspora, and is fully accessible online. Led by African scholars, students will study Africa as a creative and vibrant centre of Christianity and site of theology for the 21st century. We will explore such subjects as African religion, African Pentecostalism and African theology in addition to other timely themes for mission such as race, colonialism and migration. This award will help both African and all interested students to understand God's work in Africa as well as among Africans in Britain and the world. Apply now for the course which starts in September 2021.
NEW
Pioneer MA and African Christian Diaspora MA
There are now two routes through the MA in theology, ministry and mission: one with a focus on pioneering and one with a focus on African Christian Diaspora.
The Pioneer MA consists of six modules (see below) and a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation. Three of the modules are shared with the African Diaspora Christianity MA. It is taught over three years and is in-person although there is also an online option. The focus of this MA on mission is intended for pioneers in the UK.
The MA (African Diaspora Christianity) consists of six modules (see below) and a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation. Three of the modules are shared with the Pioneer MA. The programme is taught over three years and is fully online. The focus of this MA on mission is intended for students wanting to learn about African Christianity, both in Africa and in the diaspora including the UK and overseas.
The MA is accredited by Durham University through a partnership with Ripon College Cuddesdon, where candidates pursuing ordination also attend residential weekends.
If you are interested in pursuing studies at a doctoral level, please do get in touch to explore the possibilities we can offer.
Our MA guide gives you more information on the course.
"Pioneer studies offers me a gateway to challenge, clarify and contribute to ongoing conversations while engaged in active ministry and mission."
Distinctive components include:
- a practical element, where people are challenged to launch new projects as they continue through the course
- worship and prayer together
- an annual retreat or pilgrimage
- sessions with pioneer practitioners
- everyone connects with a mentor
- regular tutorials
- learning as a community
"CMS is so much more than a place to study and learn (though it is that too). It’s genuinely a community pursuing a vision of the ‘more-ness’ of God”
MA modules
Shared modules
Reflective practice: leadership and collaboration (Level 7)
Equips you to discern appropriate models of leadership and evaluate your own experience in leadership. Material is drawn from both secular and Christian contexts.Research and reflection: resources and methods (Level 7)
An introduction to various research methods and approaches to theological reflection. There will be an opportunity to design a research project.Anthropology and Christian mission (Level 6 – Pioneer route)
An introduction to culture, context and worldview. You will develop your own reflexive capacity in relation to your cultural background and behaviour.
Pioneer modules
Mission and ecclesiology in contemporary context (Level 7)
Explores the role and mission of the church both historically and in the contemporary world, bringing your experience into conversation with various perspectives.Reflective practice in mission and evangelism (Level 7)
An opportunity to gain a solid grasp of missiology and to engage with current mission issues through exploration of themes and metaphors. It will also help you to reflect missiologically on your own context and experience.Theologies in global perspective (Level 7)
Helps us to engage in theology in the current global context by examining global perspectives on our Bible, faith and mission.African Christian Diaspora modules
Advanced Topic in Church History (Level 7)
A course designed to help students study a particular era of church history with particular reference to Africa.Global Pentecostalism (Level 7)
A course designed to help students engage in a systematic and comprehensive study of the nature of Pentecostal and charismatic types of Christianity, with a focus on African Pentecostalism.Christianity and Indigenous Religions (Level 7)
A course designed to help students undertake an in-depth study of an indigenous religious tradition from Africa, how such a religious tradition relates to culture and shapes a people’s identity, and how it finds expression in orality, rituals and artistic forms using music and dance.Dissertation (Level 7)
This is completed in the third year of study. It is a piece of work of 12,000–15,000 words enabling you to follow an area of interest in depth.
ANVIL journal of theology and mission
Volume 38 issue 2 is out now, focused on sustainability in mission. With articles on African eco-theology, community organising and apophatic spirituality.