Unlock the potential of social change ministries with Graceland’s M.A. program in Peace & Social Transformation.
The Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation at Community of Christ Seminary aims to develop personal and moral integrity for students, which is essential in the public work of peace and justice. By pairing foundational theological and scriptural courses with formational, contextual, and practical academic studies in our school of social transformation, students can deepen their experience and understanding of peace, social change, and justice work.
This theology degree focuses on the ministries of peace while exploring social change theories, social transformation methodologies, adaptive action models, conflict resolution, and restorative justice, all with the goal of empowering movement and transformation within communities, organizations, and churches.
Core Curriculum (25 s.h.)
Select three electives from the list below (9 s.h.)
This course is an initial exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task and contemporary understandings of the doctrine of God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, humanity, the church, and Christian hope.
A review of the sacred literature of ancient Israel, centered on its covenantal themes and Ancient Near Eastern contexts. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A review of the New Testament literature focusing on the gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, centered around its christological themes as they relate to other primary doctrines. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A focus on ministerial formation through exploration of the connection between vocation, ministerial “calling”, and social context. Students will engage in critical examination of ministerial myths, narratives, and stories that shape leadership response in a variety of pastoral experiences. Attention will be given to resources and tools for critical reflection on self and vocation. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A study of the historical and theological roots and implications of spiritual formation. Students will engage in critical study and practice of spiritual practices and formation models. Students will reflect on study and practices from biblical, historical, and psychological perspectives through individual experience in class as in the context of ministerial and spiritual leadership. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An introduction to and exploration of peace in Christian theology. Biblical, historical, and theological perspectives of peace are central to theological narratives. Focus is given to providing students resources for building their own foundational theologies of peace for application in peace and justice ministries: RELG5011
Peace is central to theological and ethical thinking. Students will explore approaches to peace, grounded in social and moral philosophy. Emphasis on evaluating ethical implications of peace, justice, and peacebuilding for individual, communal, and vocational contexts. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Explores Christological intersections between classical interpretations of Jesus of Nazareth’s identity and various modern and post-modern liberative approaches. As well as considering the contributions of the Social Gospel Movement, the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jürgen Moltmann, special attention will be given to Latin American, Feminist, Womanist, African American, and Eco-liberationist Christologies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the relevance of Jesus’ life and message to situations of violence, racism, and various forms of gender, environmental and economic oppression. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An examination of the nature and implications of current issues and practices found in major world cultures with emphasis on their impact on Christian ministry, particularly ecumenical and intercultural ministry. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Exploring leadership that leads to sustainable and transformative change in community and organizations. Critical study of missional leadership through theological, sociological, biblical, and ministerial analysis. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Examining essential skills in developing leaders as spiritual/sociological researchers in the context of their ministerial community for the purpose of cultivating missional transformation. Topics of social analysis will include social location, theological perspective, culture and cultural diversity, community systems, and religious pluralism. Attention will also be given to adaptive change as it relates to rapidly changing culture and context of ministry experience. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An exploration of religious and philosophical foundations of imperatives for social and ecological justice. Examines mutual implications between interpersonal and environmental ethics as well as the scope of theories of justice as applied to human/nonhuman communities. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Examining methods, concepts, and skills of conflict resolution and restorative justice paired with theological and historical perspectives. Intended to equip students with the skills to engage constructively and meaningfully with conflict and justice in personal, congregational, institutional, and community settings. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A study in the imperative of mission for discipleship and its implications for social change and transformation. Students will engage a critical exploration of the theological, historical, and scriptural interpretations of mission. Attention will specifically be given to various approaches and methods of social transformation rooted in Christian mission.
A summative project that engages students in praxis in order for them to utilize application of skills, methods, and approaches of peace and social transformation in their context. The practicum internships consists of a project in the field, paper, and presentation. The student will present their project and paper to a committee as a ‘final’ of their graduate work. (Evaluated on a pass/fail basis)
This course is an initial exploration of the discipline and methods of theology. The foundational topics of Christian theology are covered including the nature and necessity of the theological task and contemporary understandings of the doctrine of God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, humanity, the church, and Christian hope.
A review of the sacred literature of ancient Israel, centered on its covenantal themes and Ancient Near Eastern contexts. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A review of the New Testament literature focusing on the gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, centered around its christological themes as they relate to other primary doctrines. Attention will be given to techniques of exegesis based on various methods of biblical criticism. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A focus on ministerial formation through exploration of the connection between vocation, ministerial “calling”, and social context. Students will engage in critical examination of ministerial myths, narratives, and stories that shape leadership response in a variety of pastoral experiences. Attention will be given to resources and tools for critical reflection on self and vocation. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A study of the historical and theological roots and implications of spiritual formation. Students will engage in critical study and practice of spiritual practices and formation models. Students will reflect on study and practices from biblical, historical, and psychological perspectives through individual experience in class as in the context of ministerial and spiritual leadership. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An introduction to and exploration of peace in Christian theology. Biblical, historical, and theological perspectives of peace are central to theological narratives. Focus is given to providing students resources for building their own foundational theologies of peace for application in peace and justice ministries: RELG5011
Peace is central to theological and ethical thinking. Students will explore approaches to peace, grounded in social and moral philosophy. Emphasis on evaluating ethical implications of peace, justice, and peacebuilding for individual, communal, and vocational contexts. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Explores Christological intersections between classical interpretations of Jesus of Nazareth’s identity and various modern and post-modern liberative approaches. As well as considering the contributions of the Social Gospel Movement, the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Jürgen Moltmann, special attention will be given to Latin American, Feminist, Womanist, African American, and Eco-liberationist Christologies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the relevance of Jesus’ life and message to situations of violence, racism, and various forms of gender, environmental and economic oppression. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An examination of the nature and implications of current issues and practices found in major world cultures with emphasis on their impact on Christian ministry, particularly ecumenical and intercultural ministry. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Exploring leadership that leads to sustainable and transformative change in community and organizations. Critical study of missional leadership through theological, sociological, biblical, and ministerial analysis. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Examining essential skills in developing leaders as spiritual/sociological researchers in the context of their ministerial community for the purpose of cultivating missional transformation. Topics of social analysis will include social location, theological perspective, culture and cultural diversity, community systems, and religious pluralism. Attention will also be given to adaptive change as it relates to rapidly changing culture and context of ministry experience. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
An exploration of religious and philosophical foundations of imperatives for social and ecological justice. Examines mutual implications between interpersonal and environmental ethics as well as the scope of theories of justice as applied to human/nonhuman communities. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
Examining methods, concepts, and skills of conflict resolution and restorative justice paired with theological and historical perspectives. Intended to equip students with the skills to engage constructively and meaningfully with conflict and justice in personal, congregational, institutional, and community settings. Prerequisite: RELG5011.
A study in the imperative of mission for discipleship and its implications for social change and transformation. Students will engage a critical exploration of the theological, historical, and scriptural interpretations of mission. Attention will specifically be given to various approaches and methods of social transformation rooted in Christian mission.
A summative project that engages students in praxis in order for them to utilize application of skills, methods, and approaches of peace and social transformation in their context. The practicum internships consists of a project in the field, paper, and presentation. The student will present their project and paper to a committee as a ‘final’ of their graduate work. (Evaluated on a pass/fail basis)
| FEE | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $325 per semester hour |
| Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Charge | $255 per course |
| Auditing Fee | $490 per course |
| Extension Fee (for incomplete course) (nonrefundable) | $100 per occurrence |
| Non-Degree Seeking Administration Fee (Missouri program students have a three business day right of rescission.) (nonrefundable) | $50 per course |
| Program Support Fee (online courses) | $18 per course |
| Reactivation Fee (nonrefundable) | $50 per occurrence |
Graceland’s seminary schooling takes on an approach to curriculum, teaching, and the seminary’s community life that enhances and integrates the intellectual, personal, professional, and spiritual growth of students. Our peace and social transformation program includes a dynamic relationship of research, consultation, and learning with local church congregations and denominational jurisdictions at all levels. We actively proclaim a community of faith and learning inclusive of women and men who are diverse in ethnic, economic, social, and national backgrounds. We work hard to promote the preparation of Christian leaders for mission through ministries of proclamation, justice, peace and reconciliation in religious, educational, political, and public settings.
The Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University is shaped by a strong dedication to creating a place of belonging for all people, not just those who look, think and live the way we do. Backed by a solid foundation grounded in Christianity, we believe that faith should be inclusive and welcoming — and we teach all of our courses and concentrations through the lens of this perspective.
Learn more about our graduate seminary degree programs.
Questions?
Admissions Representative
Community of Christ Seminary
1401 W. Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050
