Invest in your future as a leader in a program that blends business acumen and ministry skills. Foster wisdom, creativity, and strategic vision that will transform the lives of those you lead.
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/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.
The MA in Executive Ministry Leadership program is designed for students to:
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.
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
Common career paths include:
These opportunities often involve leading churches, managing faith-based organizations, or overseeing strategic initiatives in ministry settings.
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:
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn Online has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which regionally oversees postsecondary online education.
As a Christian, you know pursuing your calling in ministry is important! Whether you are called to be a pastor, camp director, or any other kind of ministry servant, it’s
On Thursday, March 6, Cairn University’s School of Divinity hosted the annual Church Leaders Conference, welcoming pastors, laypeople, and ministry leaders for a day of encouragement and learning. Keynote speaker