Christian Distance Learning

The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (In Ministry Track) is designed to let the ministry context where an individual serves become the primary classroom. Contextual learning has been an important part of curriculum at Sioux Falls Seminary (formerly North American Baptist Seminary) for many years. With the design of the MACL (In Ministry Track), contextual learning is taken to the next level.

The MACL (In Ministry Track) is designed especially for those already serving full-time in a ministry context (whether in Sioux Falls or around the world) who cannot commit to a residential program to pursue seminary education or relocate to Sioux Falls. Students following the MACL (In Ministry Track) will follow the course of study for the Congregational Ministries specialization.

Students can earn up to one half of the credits toward their Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (In Ministry Track) by taking advantage of the flexible learning options, especially online courses. The remaining 31 credit hours will be completed through a cycle of two-week intensive courses in Sioux Falls.

Although not required, Sioux Falls Seminary welcomes and encourages cohorts. A cohort can be a group of 7-12 students committed to completion of the program together. Students in cohorts will enroll in their residential classes together the first two years and will form their own spiritual development group. The group will act as the cohort's "community of learning."

The MACL (In Ministry Track) was designed as a four-year degree program. However, students can exercise the option to either accelerate the program into three years of study or extend it over five.

For those wishing to pursue the MACL (In Ministry Track), financial aid options are available.

• Life Fund: (Lifetime Investment For Education): The LIFE Fund program is dependent upon the generosity of individuals who, at the suggestion of the student, receive a letter from the financial aid office concerning the student's intent to enter ministry and the opportunity to give a tax deductible donation toward student financial aid that can help with the student's educational expenses.
• Payment Plan Option: This plan is ideally designed for students involved in ministry wanting to spread their programs over four or five years. Students in the payment plan are not eligible for institutional grants or scholarships, so they are encouraged to partner with their churches or supporting organizations to help in covering the costs.