Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Graduates will have ability to integrate theology in contemporary cultural contexts
Indicators:

1. Critically interprets the role of historical and cultural contexts in the formation of theological perspectives
2. Discovers and analyzes the key elements of a cultural context, including congregations and a culture other than one’s own
3. Constructs specific theological proposals that are in accordance with the purposes of God’s Kingdom and appropriately suited to particular contexts
4. Formulates and begins to practice a coherent Christian engagement with secular culture and with different religions
5. Explains one’s core theological commitments and applies them effectively to address the spiritual, ecclesial, ethical, and social issues of one’s context
6. Exercises effective pastoral leadership, based on a clear understanding of a congregation’s culture, in shaping the sacramental and symbolic life of the church in accordance with the contextualized practice of its mission
7. Implements practical theological proposals according to the needs of particular contexts, including multicultural and cross-cultural contexts
8. Effectively embodies the Gospel in ways that integrate theological insight with the competent interpretation of one’s context
9. Facilitates a critical engagement between theological insights and other areas of knowledge and practice

Awareness of the historical and contemporary beliefs and practices of the worldwide church, and the Stone-Campbell heritage in particular
Indicators:

1. Comprehends and evaluates the key figures, movements, and events of church history
2. Comprehends and evaluates the key beliefs and practices of contemporary global Christianity
3. Exhibits critical reflection on and mature respect for the historic and contemporary beliefs and practices of the Stone-Campbell heritage (or one’s own tradition)
4. Critically analyzes one’s own theological and spiritual practices in relation to historic and contemporary Christianity, especially that of the Stone-Campbell heritage (or one’s own tradition)
5. Critically analyzes contemporary situations in light of historical knowledge and appropriately applies that knowledge in ministerial practice

Graduates will have ability to lead and equip the church for its various ministries
Indicators:

1. Employs critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making sufficient for ministerial effectiveness
2. Demonstrates the ability to lead the church in interpreting its context, discerning its mission, and evaluating its orientation to the purposes of God
3. Demonstrates the ability to lead the church in shaping its corporate identity and implementing God’s vision in its context
4. Demonstrates the ability to teach, equip, and lead individuals of different ages and various levels of faith development
5. Exercises one’s ministerial role in a way that constructively engages the polity of one’s context
6. Works collaboratively with others
7. Skillfully manages conflict in a way that enables constructive transformation and peacemaking
8. Manages ministerial boundaries with maturity and wisdom

Graduates will have capacity to exercise care of souls in fitting and compassionate ways
Indicators:

1. Treats others with respect and acts according to their best interests
2. Exhibits sensitive, caring, and skillful attention to the needs of those in crisis
3. Provides apt counsel, guidance, and practical instruction
4. Integrates the practice of skillful caregiving techniques with disciplined theological reflection

Graduates will demonstrate growth in Christian character essential for ministerial faithfulness and effectiveness
Indicators

1. Conducts oneself in the manner of a Christian exemplar
2. Demonstrates healthy awareness of one’s personality, behavior patterns, level of interpersonal effectiveness, and patterns of response to anxiety and conflict
3. Demonstrates commitment to conduct one’s life out of a confessed Christian faith and exhibits the practices of discipleship
4. Demonstrates sustained participation in Christian community and constructive investment in its life
5. Takes honest responsibility for one’s actions, habits, and growth, applying effective strategies and spiritual disciplines for achieving ongoing growth
6. Acts in a principled fashion so as to increase one’s credibility and build trust—with integrity, humility, dependability, and compassion
7. Discerningly receives criticism and takes initiative to change if necessary
8. Demonstrates commitment to the well-being of one’s spouse and family