The Master of Arts in
Global and Contextual Studies

An InMinistry program of Bethel Seminary

The Master of Arts in Global and Contextual Studies (M.A.G.C.S.) builds upon an appropriate undergraduate degree and integrates insights from the other disciplines at Bethel Seminary. The program introduces students to the biblical, theological, historical, cultural/contextual, and strategic foundations for an informed and effective communication of the Christian message across cultures, whether overseas or among the growing ethnic populations within the United States.

Specifically, the M.A.G.C.S. enhances the development of practical ministry skills related to the following key issues:

• A relevant theology for effective cross-cultural ministry
• An accurate understanding of the contemporary world and its needs
• An interdisciplinary perspective for planning and leading effective ministries
• The cultural dimensions of effective global and contextual ministry
• The ability to accurately exegete a cultural—especially urban—context
• Incarnational models for effective cross-cultural ministry
• Contextualization of the Christian message
• The utilization of points of contact within other religious traditions

 

InMinistry Intensives

The InMinistry M.A.G.C.S. requires students to complete at least one intensive (or two courses) in an approved international context, and allows them the option of completing as many as one-half of the normal on-campus intensives (or six intensive courses) at approved international extension sites. The remaining six intensives are offered in St. Paul. All course intensives begin with four weeks of preparation via distance learning prior to the intensive week on campus (whether traditional or at an international location). The one-week intensive is then followed by another four weeks of at-distance instruction including online discussions, applicaton of on-campus learning to the student’s ministry setting, and preparation of final course projects. During the intensive week, 30-plus hours of classroom instruction are supplemented by chapel, meetings with faculty and cohort groups, and study time.

 

InMinistry M.A.G.C.S. Suggested Sequence of Courses

	SUMMER (Bethel Intensive)	FALL (Distance)	WINTER (International Intensive Option)	SPRING (Distance)
First Year	• BT101 Hermeneutics • GC101 Intro to Global and Contextual Studies • SP001 Personal Assessments	• SP110 Personal and Spiritual Formation	• OT101 Genesis—Ruth • GC202 Christianity in Culture	• OT102 1 Samuel— Song of Songs
		• GC151 Cross Cultural Ministry Practicum I (integrates SP001)
Second Year	• NT101 Gospels • GC/ML113 Transformational Leadership	• GC201 Cross-Cultural Communication	• TS101 Systematic Theology I • GC222 Global Urban Ministry	• TS102 Systematic Theology II
		• GC219 Cross-Cultural Experience
Third Year	• TS103 Systematic Theology III • SP141 Self in Community • TL001 Vocational Assessments	• HS103 Church History Survey	• NT102 Acts and Pauline Epistles • GC234 Cross-Cultural Church Planting	• GC212/ TS232 World Religions
		• GC152 Cross-Cultural Ministry Practicum (integrates TL001)
Fourth Year	• OT103 The Prophets • GC241 Change Agency	• GC/BTF Elective		Graduation
		• Statement of Faith

* These courses could be completed at other times, depending on the scheduling of students’ cross-cultural experiences.

 

(For information on how the InMinistry program works, please see "About Us.")

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• Introduction
• Program Personnel
• More Information
• Start Dates - Start dates for the MAGCS Program are available on the new web page for the Registrar's Office by clicking on the following link: Quarter & Intensive Schedules. Under the heading, "Quarter and Intensive Schedule," select an Academic Year. See "MAGCS (new start)" on the Quarter & Intensive Schedule for new start dates.

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