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Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

This program of study facilitates an understanding of the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on exegesis using advanced hermeneutics and various exegetical resources.

The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership Program  (M.A.C.L.) is a graduate degree designed to equip emerging leaders for leadership in ministry and the marketplace. Students in this program learn how to diagnose a variety of organizational issues from a biblical perspective grounded in the cutting edge of leadership theory. Our M.A.C.L. faculty are highly published scholars and practitioners with decades of global leadership experience. 

The MACL is for anyone who desires to “elevate” their leadership potential through academic and practical training.

In this program you’ll study strategic leadership, global leadership, organizational theory and application, and various research methods. You’ll put it all together in a culminating project designed to test and apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Objectives
  • Confront the student with the Word of God proclaiming humanity’s alienation from God and God’s work of redemption in Christ as found in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, and to explore ramifications of this gospel for the student’s personal life and the work of leadership in the context of the church and the world.
  • Equip the student to lead with integrity grounded in a Judeo-Christian worldview and values system.
  • Give the student an understanding of how to apply Christian and organizational leadership knowledge, theories, and skills within a global context.
  • Equip the student for research that is exegetical, qualitative and quantitative for leadership and organizational understanding, analysis and problem solving.

Time & Cost

Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt. 

The M.A.C.L. degree requires 13 courses (or 39 credit hours), which can be completed within 3 years for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online). Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.

2022 - 2023 Graduate Tuition Rate

$300 per credit hour

Fees

Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.

Courses

Full details can be found in the 2022-2023 Graduate Academic Catalog.

M.A.C.L. Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
MENG 500Graduate Student Orientation0
MBIB 501New Testament Introduction3
MBIB 502Old Testament Introduction3
MBIB 601Historical Biblical Leaders3
MBIB 602Biblical Issues for Leadership3
MLEA 501Organizational Leadership3
MLEA 502Christian Leadership Development3
MLEA 503Strategic Leadership and Change3
MLEA 504Contemporary Leadership Issues3
MLEA 601Organizational Research and Analysis3
MLEA 602Case Analyses for Organizational and Church Leadership3
MLEA 603Global Leadership3
MLEA 604Culminating Experience I3
Total Credit Hours:36

M.A.C.L. Bible/Theology Elective

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
MBIB 503Advanced Hermeneutics3
MBIB 504Advanced Theology I3
MBIB 505Advanced Theology II3
MBIB 506Biblical Greek I3
MBIB 507Biblical Hebrew I3
Total Credit Hours:3

Admissions

To become a student at Manna U, follow these two steps:

1.  Complete an application, which includes:

  • A non-refundable application fee of $50 (linked to application)
  • An essay, written by the applicant, of his/her conversion experience (300-600 words), in a format that is typed and double spaced, using 12 pt. font size;
  • A Pastoral Reference* from the Pastor of the church that the applicant regularly attends;
  • A Personal Reference* from someone who has known you for two years or more and is not related to you.
    Applicants will enter an email address for their selected references and a link to the online reference forms will be sent once the application is submitted.

2.  Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred).

Note: official transcripts are sent directly from one school/college to another. You can arrange to have your transcripts sent electronically to registrar@manna.edu, or a paper copy can be sent to our mailing address:

Manna University
Attn: Registrar’s Office
439 Westwood Shopping Center
PMB 106
Fayetteville, NC 28314

All applicants applying for admission to one of Manna U’s graduate programs must submit official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent academic achievement approved by Manna U’s Academic Office. Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.

Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can you do with a degree in Christian Leadership?

    A degree in Christian Leadership from Manna U helps prepare you for leadership roles in various environments, that may include leadership within a church, ministry, non-profit or for-profit organization. Basically, whatever environment you are in, this can help prepare you to lead people, teams, ministries, organizations, and/or businesses. 

  • What type of courses are in the Christian Leadership programs?

    These undergraduate courses include Bible and Theology, General Education, Ministry, as well as Christian Leadership courses. Some of those leadership courses include the following:

      1. Mentoring and Coaching
      2. Psychology of a Leader
      3. Foundations of Marketing
      4. Servant Leadership
      5. Introduction to Organizational Leadership
      6. Collaborative Teams and Innovation
  • Why should I choose Christian Leadership over the other majors?

    The way into the future for the human race is effective good leadership. This is a broader program for those in leadership in various contexts. The other majors are more specific. If you feel called to preaching and biblical studies, the divinity program may be a better fit. The same with the intercultural, worship, and counseling programs, they are concentrated to those areas. Christian Leadership can help in all those fields since all need and have leadership components, but the focus in this program is preparing effective Christian leaders, no matter the area or field they are called.

Student Story

Jaemi's Story

Like most of today’s college students, Jaemi leads a busy life. Balancing family, work, and serving at her local church is a tough act, but she sensed the need to sharpen her leadership for effective Kingdom impact.

“My favorite part of being a student at Manna U has the been the challenge and opportunity to grow not just as a leader but also as a Christ-follower.”

Effective Leaders Bring Lasting Impact

Jesus chose twelve leaders who were from differing backgrounds. Many religious leaders in that time would have overlooked them. Through teaching and training, He prepared them to lead a movement that changed the world. Whatever your call may be, training at Manna U can help you engage in this kind of transformational leadership.