Master of Arts
Rural Ministries

PT 501 Introduction to Coaching

Introduction to Coaching teaches basic foundational skills for Christian coaching of rural leaders. Students learn the foundations of coaching, expanding the understanding of the coaching relationship “drawn out” from the imago Dei reference. Students learn and practice active listening skills, experience participatory coaching time with active feedback, and gain skills, confidence, and coaching for spiritual growth.

RM 502 Intermediate Coaching

Practical expressions of Pentecostal leadership coaching engages students through creative lenses for ministry opportunities and challenges in the context of the local church. Participants use coaching models to engage in spiritual development, the significance of personal mission, life message indicators, and joy in the spiritual journey. The coaching skills and application employ faith conversations to move deeper in their commitment to Christ. This dialogue approach provides an effective model for evangelism and discipleship.

PT 510 Research Methods 1 – Perspectives and Resources: 3 credits

Foundational to post-graduate level study is the need to understand and become familiar with research methodology. This course is intentionally designed to prepare the student for careful, investigative research resulting in appropriate writing styles, accurate referencing, and critical analysis. Analyzing, evaluating, building and presenting arguments are central to the course. Developing a familiarity with different research methodologies, data analysis and the preparation of literature reviews prepare the student to maximize the whole course, but in particular, to be prepared for the research track which comprises their own unique project.

CS610 Research Methods 2 – Thesis Proposal: 3 credits

A distinctive of the MARM is the collation of research into a cohesive portfolio. A post-graduate degree should be characterized by heightened competencies in areas such as reflective thought, critical analysis and familiarity with relevant literature. Employing appropriate research methodologies Trinity post-graduate degrees comprise a significant research track that enables the student to explore ministry specific fields of study. The objective is to reinforce lifelong learning, the humility of a scholar and applied learning relevant to the student’s own context. This allows some degree of specialization whilst accommodating academic rigor and the positive involvement of a well-qualified supervisor. Additionally, this part of the program is designed to equip those students who wish to pursue further studies.

LD610 Global Scholar Seminar: 3 Credits (2)

Each year a leading global scholar will be invited to teach Leadership in a Global Context from the unique perspective of his or her area of expertise. The title of the course will be determined by the content of the syllabus. Building on the factual realities of globalization, this course is designed to develop competencies in developing a biblical worldview that leads to responding in a Christ-honoring way to the complex issues of religious, ideological, and cultural diversity that now define the context of the twenty-first-century church. Understanding contemporary phenomena such as mass migration, pluralism, gender issues, and ethnic diversity are foundational to effectively leading churches and ministries that are clearly counter-cultural communities of faith. The intentional inclusiveness of Christ-following people and demonstrating an understanding in leading redemptive communities forms the theological foundation of this course.

RM 510 Rural Community Connection and Evangelism: 6 credits

Hosted by Crossroads Assembly in Valentine, NE, this class provides a contextualized approach to ministry with application in the student’s location. Theological and practical implications about the community, analyzed through the Missional Helix, initiate strategic evangelism. Partnering with Rural Compassion (a ministry of Convoy of Hope), the class includes discussion with local “stakeholders” on how to best serve the rural community. Application of thorough research, projects, and evaluations of contextualized evangelism enriches the immersion experience.

RM 610 Rural Church Multiplication/Church Planting and Revitalization: 6 credits

Partnering with New Life Church in Foley, MN, students observe the host rural church plant as well as learn from multiple rural church planters who are currently leading successful churches. Students also discover the process, challenges, and rewards of revitalization. Reflection on the theological foundation of multiplication and revitalization enrich the applications. Teaching will advance insight about recruiting, empowering, equipping and encouraging leaders in multiplication and revitalization. Project evaluation from theology, ecclesiology and culture provides multi-discipline approach to multiplication.

RM 615 Creative Leadership for the Rural Church: 6 credits

Marysville Christian Fellowship in Marysville, KS, hosts the immersion experience for Creative Leadership for the Rural Church. Diverse rural contexts for developing leaders will be addressed through a variety of lenses: raising indigenous leadership, connecting with other churches, defining values of the rural community, the necessity of character and integrity in the student’s setting. Leadership styles will influence the research, project, and evaluations that lead to creative leadership applications.

RM 620 Rural Ministry – Urban/Rural Partnerships: 6 credits

First Assembly in Little Rock, AR, will host the immersion experience dealing with biblical partnership for the rural church. The class addresses the engagement of relationships that historically moved organizations to develop movements that multiplied on a broad scale. Partnership plays a key role as ministry stretches beyond the local church to make a large impact on a region. This learning experience will engage the orthodoxy, orthopraxis, and orthopathos that connect, develop, and release of leaders who multiply themselves.

TH 690 Thesis: 9 credits

The capstone of the MARM is a research project based on the findings of the contextual studies component of the course. The student will produce a cohesive folio enabling the student to undertake a serious piece of academic writing. A thesis must be approximately 15,000 words, excluding footnotes.