MA Spiritual Formation

The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (MASF) recognizes that fulfillment in life and effectiveness in ministry increase as a person is shaped and conformed into the image of Christ.

What will I learn?

The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (MASF) recognizes that fulfillment in life and effectiveness in ministry increase as a person is shaped and conformed into the image of Christ. With its integration of Christian theology, Christian spirituality, and Christian community, the MASF program offers students a unique learning experience and opportunity to grow intellectually, spiritually, and holistically. Any church leader and follower of Christ will be stirred, challenged, and find personal benefit in this program.

The predominantly Friends faculty and the ethos of the college founded by Friends, add to the distinctive character of this concentration. The MA in Spiritual Formation is designed to maximize the learning experience for adult students by integrating the best of all possible learning environments – the convenience of flexible, distance education mixed with personal interaction and the development of genuine community and supportive relationships with fellow MASF students, faculty, and staff.

Course Requirements

Spiritual Formation Course Requirements

Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (12 credit hours)

MASF512: Spiritual Formation in Biblical Perspective (3) – A study of the Old Testament and New Testament that explores significant biblical events (movements) and the spiritual formation of exceptional biblical personalities (models), and their life-transforming experiences (moments), in light of Jesus’ transforming leadership and His life, death, and resurrection.

MASF522: Spiritual Formation and the Transformational Journey (3) – A leader must be transformed in order to be transforming. This course allows students to engage in an intentional process of self-examination and self-discovery as a means of cultivating a deeper awareness of God’s soul-shaping activity and a greater receptivity to Christ’s ongoing work in their lives.

MASF532: Christian Classics: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Work (3) – This course exposes students to the rich treasury of devotional literature that is available to encourage us along the way in our journey with Christ. It also offers an opportunity to gain fresh insight and inspiration from a wide range of Christian leaders whose lives often bear a striking resemblance to our own.

MASF542: Soul Shepherding: The Role of the Christian Leader in the Development of Others’ Souls (3) – This course equips students with the theological framework and practical skills required to become a faithful soul shepherd or spiritual director, helping others to model their lives in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Students will learn strategies and formulate plans for soul care, spiritual direction, leadership coaching, and corporate discernment that can be applied to individuals, groups, and congregations.

Master's Course Requirements

MAO501: Orientation (0) – This is a one-week course designed to introduce students to the graduate program at Barclay College, including: classmates, course instructors, the mechanics of the online portal and discussion forum, and the academic rigors of graduate studies.

Theology Core (15 credit hours)

MABI511: Old Testament Hermeneutics (3) – God’s revelation through the Old Testament illuminates His timely message and timeless story for His people, while also providing the context and foundation for the New Testament. In this class, students will investigate the richness of the Old Testament and its relevance for today, including the principles and procedures for its interpretation, application, and exposition.

MABI521: New Testament Hermeneutics (3) – The narrative of Christ and His Church, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, provides the framework for Christian faith and practice. This class in biblical interpretation and exegesis focuses on the life and teachings of Christ, the experience of believers, and the eternal hope of the Church as recorded in the gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic literature.

MATH531: Christian Theology (3) – This class investigates the essential teachings of the evangelical Christian faith, with special attention given to the person and work of Christ, sin and salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, the life of the Church, and contemporary theological issues. Students will become better equipped to apply and articulate theological convictions in ministry settings.

MATH541: The History of Christianity (3) – This course addresses the major events, issues, personalities, and movements that shape and define the story of the Christian Church. Topics such as the birth and growth of the Early Church, the threat of persecution, the rise of monasticism, the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon, the Reformation, the Great Awakenings, ecumenical efforts, and the globalization of the gospel provide a deeper understanding of the Church and a relevant perspective for ministry today.

MAMM513: The Missional Church (3) – We may not all be called to serve Christ as missionaries in a foreign land, but we are all called to be “on mission with God” wherever He may lead us. In this course, students are challenged to examine their purpose and calling in life, maximize their capacity to build bridges, and bear faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at home and around the world.

Research and Application (9 credit hours)

MARA523: Research Methods (3) – This course is an introduction to the research methods that are applicable in a variety of academic and organizational settings, including both quantitative and qualitative strategies that are commonly used in a graduate Capstone project.

MARA533: Applied Research I (3) – In this research and application course, students will identify and begin to investigate a potential Capstone project that relates to their chosen concentration of graduate studies. Through practical examination, each student will focus on their field of study using a variety of potential methods, some of which may include: field experience, literature review, and other forms of data collection.

MARA543: Applied Research II – Capstone Project (3) – This course involves the completion of a written Capstone project that serves as the culmination of a student’s research and their graduate school experience. Students will integrate their research findings with their chosen area of concentration, making application to life, service, and leadership today. In addition, each student will demonstrate their acquisition of scholarship, critical thinking, creativity, and written communication skills.

Derek Brown, PhD

Director of Spiritual Formation (Acting)

Derek Brown serves as the acting Director of Spiritual Formation as well as the acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. He is the Vice President for Academic Services at Barclay College, where he still teaches as a professor of practical theology. Prior to becoming the chief academic officer, Derek service as the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Distance Education, the Vice President for Graduate Studies, a graduate school director, and the chair of the undergraduate Pastoral Ministry program for nearly ten years. 

Interested in Spiritual Formation?

We’d love to share more information, including academic majors and graduate program financial opportunities.

Benefits of graduate studies at Barclay College

Complete program in only 2 years (4 semesters), a total of 36 credit hours

100% online — so students
can further their education
wherever they go

Affordably priced — with
Graduate Leadership
Scholarships available

Accredited — by the Higher
Learning Commission and
the Association for Biblical
Higher Education

Tuition & Financial Assistance

The costs at Barclay College are much less than similar private Christian colleges. We also offer scholarships and other types of financial aid. Our outstanding quality and reasonable costs add up to a great education value.

$8,520

Estimated cost per year for the 2023-2024 year

How to Apply

Barclay College admits students based on academic record and abilities, Christian commitment, and agreement with the established purposes of the college. See the requirements for the application to the School of Graduate Studies.

View the Application Requirements below. If you have questions, contact graduatestudies@barclaycollege.edu.

Graduate School Calendar

SPRING 2024
START END
Application Deadline December 8
Orientation December 11 January 5
Enrollment Deadline December 22
Classes January 8 May 12
FALL 2024
START END
Application Deadline July 22
Orientation July 8 August 9
Enrollment Deadline August 2
Classes August 12 December 16
SPRING 2025
START END
Application Deadline December 16
Orientation December 22 January 3
Enrollment Deadline December 23
Classes January 6 May 18

Graduate School Schedule of Courses F23-S24

What can I expect in an online Graduate class?