Master of Applied Theology
Special Topics 2019
MA825 Special Topic (Ministry): Suffering Christ's Call: Christian Discipleship and the Way of the Cross
In this course we will explore and reflect upon Christian discipleship.
What does it mean to understand discipleship as following after Christ? What does it mean that we are called by Christ to discipleship? We will give particular attention to the claim that Christian discipleship always entails suffering, ‘taking up one’s cross’ (Mark 8:34).
What role does suffering play in preparing and forming us as disciples? Should (and can) we embrace this suffering? We will explore these and other such questions with reference to the writings of Julian of Norwich, Luther, Kierkegaard, Barth, Bonhoeffer, William Stringfellow, Hauerwas, and others.
MA824 Special Topic (Missions): Reading Paul Missionally
This course in missional hermeneutics explores some of Paul’s letters to discover Paul’s understanding of the missio Dei (God’s mission) in Christ and by the Spirit, and our participation in that mission.
We will examine Paul’s vision of individuals and communities that not only speak the good news but also embody it in such missional practices as faithfulness, reconciliation, justice, and enemy-love.
The close, missionally sensitive reading of his letters will combine with missionally sensitive readings of the students’ own contexts to generate missional conversations and guide practice. The course will include two three-day intensives, one facilitated by Dr Michael Gorman and the other by Dr George Wieland.
MA823 Special Topic (Theology): Third Article Theology
Third Article Theology (TAT) is a new theological movement utilizing a distinctly pneumatological approach to developing Christian doctrine.
By examining Christian beliefs and practices through the lens of the Spirit, it aims to equip the church to “act its age”—proclaiming a timely message appropriate for our current context, leading to practical applications for life, mission, and ministry.
In addition to the lecturers, the course will include sessions from leading TAT scholars from around the world.
Programme Summary
Carey’s Master of Applied Theology provides an advanced theological qualification for those who are committed to career-long education.
The Masters aims to support professional development for pastors, including senior pastors, and other Christian ministry and missional practitioners who have high levels of curriculum knowledge, research skills, and leadership capacity.
In addition the academic programme aims to equip students interested in advancing academic scholarship and research in the field of applied theology. It is therefore also intended as a pathway for those interested in continuing on to doctoral studies, particularly through one of the established pathways Carey has with Auckland University of Technology, Otago University, or other tertiary institutions.
Programme Outline
The programme of study for each student will be designed, as much as possible, to meet the individual needs and interests the students.
Each programme will total either 120, 180 or 240 credits and comprise of:
MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology
AND
90 or 120 credit thesis with the remainder of credits from the range of postgraduate courses on offer in 2019 which include:
Special Topic (Ministry): Suffering Christ’s Call: Christian Discipleship and the Way of the Cross – Dr Michael Mawson (University of Aberdeen)
Special Topic (Missions): Reading Paul Missionally – Prof Michael Gorman (St Mary’s Seminary & University, USA) and Dr George Wieland (Carey)
Special topic (Theology) Third Article Theology – Dr Myk Habets (Carey) and Dr Greg Liston (Laidlaw College)
Research Essay guided research option
For more information on each course please contact Dr Myk Habets – [email protected]
Programme Objectives
Upon completion graduates will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Assess critically the most recent published research in applied theology.
- Reflect critically on issues of society and contemporary life from advanced, appropriate, and soundly-based biblical and theological perspectives.
- Develop critical skills in the interpretation of biblical texts and theological evaluation.
- Analyse life contexts for contemporary ecclesial and missional practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand and related contexts.
- Implement assessment skills including, finding strengths, weaknesses, multiple options, as well as identifying obstacles.
- Evidence planning skills including, the collaborative construction of preferred outcomes, finding ways around obstacles, ways to mobilize strengths and resources to achieve
- Practise interdisciplinary research skills.
- Display advanced, independent, critical research, and writing skills that insightfully interact with existing scholarship in a chosen area of study.
- Practise self-discipline, and demonstrate the ability to plan and achieve goals
Entry Requirements
An applicant will normally have completed one of the following:
- a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministry with a grade point average of B in courses of the undergraduate programme at levels 6 and 7 (or equivalent).
- a professional or other qualification which, in the judgement of the Academic Director, can be recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in theology or Christian ministry.
An applicant who does not meet these requirements but who has completed a recognised undergraduate degree in a discipline other than theology or Christian ministry may be admitted as a candidate following successful completion of a bridging programme of study as determined by the Academic Director.
This programme is open to full-time and part-time New Zealand students and full-time International students.
For full information please see the Academic Regulations and Calendar 2019.
International student admission requirements, including English language requirements, can be found here.
What is the cost?
See our full Fees Schedule for costs
What courses are part of the Programme?
View our 2019 Timetable
Fast-Track Your Masters
Parts of your ministry experience might count towards prior learning, as well as any post graduate study you have already done.
Talk to us about your options.
Alumni Stories
Grahame Walker
Mental Health Chaplain at Auckland District Health Board
It’s really worthwhile not just for your professional development but also the spiritual aspect where you are learning and growing in an area that’s of interest to you.
So many doors have opened up as a result of this piece of research and it’s been immediately transferrable to my role.
Use your research to make a difference