Master of Arts in Theological Studies — Intercultural Leadership
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies for Intercultural Leadership (MATSIL) is a graduate degree designed to provide training for persons whose career goals require knowledge and skills for living and working in intercultural settings.
Admission to this program is restricted to only those who are under appointment by the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, or other approved Great Commission groups, and are serving on the field currently. Admission is contingent upon appointment status as well as the approval of the missions agency. Students in this program must communicate with the department chair for Evangelism and Missions in the Billy Graham School.
How Southern can prepare you for the mission field
IMB president Paul Chitwood knows missions. Even more, he knows that theological training is non-negotiable for men and women called to the mission field. And from his M.Div. (’95) and Ph.D. (’01) from the school, he knows Southern Seminary can prepare you for a life of missions work better than anyone.
Students will be able to…
- Demonstrate a growing, Christ-like character and a sense of God’s calling to ministry.
- Understand the Christian worldview and have a global vision for fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Demonstrate significant knowledge of the Bible, interpret Scripture’s original meaning, and apply Scripture to contemporary situations.
- Integrate systematic and historical theology into a larger biblical framework.
- Demonstrate a focused knowledge of intercultural leadership within the context of Christian missions.
| Remedial/Pre-requisite Courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31980 | Written Communication (if required)* | (2) | |
| Biblical and Theological Studies | 27 | ||
| 20200 | Introduction to the Old Testament I | 3 | |
| 20220 | Introduction to the Old Testament II | 3 | |
| 22100 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | |
| 22200 | Introduction to the New Testament I | 3 | |
| 22220 | Introduction to the New Testament II | 3 | |
| 26200 | Southern Baptist Heritage and Mission | 3 | |
| 27060 | Systematic Theology I | 3 | |
| 27070 | Systematic Theology II | 3 | |
| 27080 | Systematic Theology III | 3 | |
| Great Commission Studies | 21 | ||
| 32100 | Personal Evangelism | 3 | |
| 32960 | Introduction to Missiology | 3 | |
| 32980 | World Religions and Christian Mission1 | 3 | |
| 33020 | Leadership in Intercultural Context | 3 | |
| 33420 | Cultural Acquisition2 | 3 | |
| 33830 | Intercultural Church Planting | 3 | |
| Restricted Missions Elective3 | 3 | ||
| Total Master of Arts in Theological Studies — Intercultural Leadership | 48 | ||
| Written Communication (if required) | +2 | ||
*See Written Communication Requirement here.
1Students may substitute 32985 (History and Religion of Islam) for 32980 (World Religions and Christian Mission).
233420 should be taken during the second semester of the appointee’s first year on the field.
3Students may choose one of the following courses: 30960 Intercultural Communication, 32310 Spiritual Warfare in Evangelism and Missions, 32750 Biblical and Historical Foundations of Missions, and 33410 Language Learning for Missionaries. (33410 should be taken during the concluding semester of formal language study, when reaching required proficiency in the field language)
Be equipped to bridge cultural gaps with the good news of Christ.
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Attend Preview Day
Southern Seminary hosts a Preview Day each Spring and Fall – attendees are automatically entered to win a $1000 scholarship.
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