Executive Ministry Leadership (MA)
Cairn University’s online MA in Executive Ministry Leadership is a 36-credit graduate program that blends biblical and theological foundations with essential organizational leadership and nonprofit management skills. The program equips pastors, executive pastors, ministry directors, and other faith-based professionals to lead churches and organizations with strategic vision, spiritual depth, and lasting impact.
Our Distinctives
Designed for pastors, lay church leaders, and others seeking greater effectiveness in church and nonprofit contexts, Cairn’s MA in Executive Ministry Leadership equips students with biblical and theological insight, spiritual formation, and organizational leadership skills. The curriculum integrates Scripture, Christian theology, leadership theory, and nonprofit practices, preparing students to serve in leadership or support roles within churches, parachurch ministries, and other mission-driven organizations.
Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles as executive pastor, ministry director, nonprofit executive, or Christian higher education administrator, making this online ministry leadership master’s degree the ideal choice for Christ-centered executive pastor training and biblical nonprofit leadership.
* Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities
Community
Faculty and staff teach and serve biblically, personally invest in students, and cultivate an authentic Christian community marked by faithfulness, discipleship, and love.
Biblically Rooted
At Cairn we are rooted in the Scriptures. It is the foundation of everything we do, whether it is in the classroom, on the field, or out in our local community.
Deep Integration of Faith and Leadership
Every aspect of the curriculum ties Scripture, Christian theology, and spiritual formation directly to real-world organizational leadership, stewardship, and mission execution.
Affordable
Cairn is an affordable option among private Christian schools.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Executive Ministry Leadership is a 36-credit graduate program that integrates theological foundations with organizational leadership and nonprofit management skills to prepare students for effective ministry roles. It features a 27-credit core curriculum covering topics like effective organizations, spiritual life, ministry philosophy, financial management, organizational change, action research, and fundraising, culminating in a capstone project; a 3-credit Bible elective; and 6 credits in Bible/Theology courses such as Overview of Christian Theology and The Purpose and Calling of Business, with potential advanced standing for prior relevant credits.
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Articulate a master’s level understanding of biblical and theological foundations that informs ministry leadership and decision-making.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage effectively in ministry organizations, with attention to spiritual health, strategic vision, and organizational change.
- Exhibit spiritual maturity and personal integrity shaped by ongoing formation and reflection on one’s calling and purpose.
- Apply best practices in nonprofit financial management, fundraising, and resource stewardship in a way that supports sustainable and mission-driven leadership.
Curriculum Highlights
Core Curriculum – Credits: 27
- BUS 625 – Effective Organizations Credits: 3
- or BUS 628 – Leading in Complex Environments Credits: 3
- CHM 621 – The Spiritual Life Credits: 3
- CHM 641 – Introduction to Ministry Credits: 3
- CHM 642 – Philosophy of Ministry Credits: 3
- CHM 691 – Executive Ministry Leadership Capstone Credits: 3
- NPL 623 – Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations Credits: 3
- ORL 603 – Organizational Culture and Change Credits: 3
- ORL 615 – Action Research Credits: 3
- ORL 742 – Fundraising and Development Credits: 3
Electives – Credits: 3
- Bible Elective Credits: 3
Any graduate course with a prefix of BIB.
Admission Requirements
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250–500 words)
- References: Submit two Academic/Professional References.
Tuition and Aid
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by faculty not TAs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year is $455/credit for full-time status. Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Accreditation Information
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page.
Related Programs
“The THM program’s flexibility has been especially helpful for me as I balance ministry and study. I have found there to be great value in pursuing graduate studies while being active in pastoral ministry. Rather than finding that my academic work was distracting from my ministry, I have found quite the opposite: It has been enriched by it.”
– John B.
FAQs
What is the experience like?
Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
Is financial aid available for online degrees?
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid.
Is advanced standing available for Bible and theology courses?
Advanced standing may be granted for Bible/Theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course-by-course basis.
When can I start the program?
There are six entry points in the program: September, October, January, March, May, July.
Provided you submit the enrollment materials, applications are typically processed within 2 weeks of submitting your application.
Books written by our faculty
At Cairn, you will study with faculty who combine scholarship and pastoral wisdom. Below are just some of the books written by our faculty.
Next Steps
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Interested in our Executive Ministry Leadership (MA) degree? Complete this form to connect with an admissions advisor for personalized guidance on schedules, costs, and application steps. We’re here to help you take the next step!
Department Updates
2026 Church Leaders Conference Addresses “Recognizing, Resisting, and Recovering From Gospel Drift”
2025 Church Leaders Conference Addresses Doubt, Disillusionment, and Deconstruction
