The Associate of Missional Practice is a comprehensive 66-credit hour program that combines foundational Christian theological education with practical ministry application. The program is structured around three key components:
Core Foundation (18 credit hours): The program begins with the distinctive Livingstone Signature Series, which establishes the theological foundation through courses exploring God's mission, Christian worldview in witness, and missional spirituality. This is complemented by biblical studies that approach both Old and New Testament texts through a missional lens, plus training in biblical study methods and tools.
Missional Practice Major (18 credit hours): The heart of the program focuses on translating faith into everyday life through missional living principles. Students explore how Christian faith intersects with daily life and choose specialized tracks in pastoral care, sports management and mission, community development, or urban studies. The program offers diverse elective options including multifamily housing ministry, military family advocacy, marketplace ministry, mission in the arts, sports ministry, urban mission, disciplemaking, and urban youth ministry. Students complete their major with either an observership or practicum experience.
General Education Foundation (30 credit hours): The program includes a well-rounded liberal arts education with required coursework in communication, health studies, fine arts and humanities (including contextual theology), social and behavioral sciences, natural and mathematical sciences, and general electives to broaden students' educational foundation.
Upon completion of the Associate of Missional Practice in Missional Practice, students will develop:
Theological Competency: Students gain a solid foundation in understanding God's mission in the world and how Scripture informs Christian witness. They develop skills in biblical interpretation and study methods while learning to apply theological concepts to contemporary contexts.
Missional Living Skills: Students learn to integrate their faith into every aspect of daily life, understanding how to live as disciples in their homes, workplaces, and communities. They develop practical skills for ministry in diverse settings, from urban environments to military families to marketplace contexts.
Ministry Specialization: Through the program's flexible elective structure, students can specialize in areas aligned with their calling and interests, whether in pastoral care, community development, sports ministry, or other specialized fields. This allows for personalized preparation for their specific ministry context.
Practical Experience: The observership and practicum components provide hands-on experience in real ministry settings, allowing students to apply classroom learning while developing professional competencies under supervision.
Communication and Leadership: Students develop essential skills in research, academic writing, and contextual theology that prepare them to communicate effectively in ministry contexts and continue their education if desired.
Practical Focus: Unlike traditional academic programs that may emphasize theory over practice, the AMM program is designed specifically for students who want to engage actively in ministry while building a solid educational foundation. The emphasis on "missional practice for everyday life" makes this ideal for students seeking immediately applicable ministry skills.
Flexible Ministry Preparation: The program's diverse elective options allow students to tailor their education to their specific ministry calling, whether in traditional church settings, urban ministry, marketplace evangelism, sports ministry, or community development. This flexibility is particularly valuable for students who may not fit traditional pastoral ministry models.
Foundational Preparation: As an associate degree, this program provides an excellent foundation for students who may later pursue bachelor's or master's level ministry education. The credits can transfer to higher-level programs while providing immediate preparation for ministry involvement.
Innovative Approach: Missional University takes an innovative approach to religious and theological education, helping Christian believers make a greater impact in their churches, organizations and communities through education that is rooted in the mission of God in this world. This fresh perspective on ministry education appeals to students seeking contemporary, relevant preparation for 21st-century ministry challenges.
Online Accessibility: Available 24/7, elearning classes follow best education practices, making this program accessible to working adults, parents, and those unable to attend traditional on-campus programs.
Experiential Learning: The program emphasizes learning through doing, with students shadowing, practicing, interning, and mentoring to gain practical skills. This hands-on approach ensures students graduate with real-world ministry experience, not just theoretical knowledge.
The Associate of Missional Practice is particularly well-suited for students who are passionate about living out their faith in practical ways, desire ministry training that connects to everyday life, and want the flexibility to specialize in their areas of calling while maintaining a strong theological foundation.
Practical Ministry Skills: These organizations need staff who can integrate faith into everyday contexts, exactly what the AMM program develops.
Cultural Adaptability: The program's emphasis on missional living in diverse contexts prepares graduates for international and cross-cultural ministry.
Holistic Approach: Many of these organizations combine evangelism with community development, matching the program's comprehensive approach to missional practice.
Entry-Level Readiness: The associate degree provides immediate qualification for support staff, program coordinator, and field ministry positions.
Continuing Education Potential: Many of Christian organizations support further education for promising staff, making AMM graduates attractive candidates for growth within the organization.
Field Ministry Coordinator
Community Development Assistant
Youth Program Director
Missions Support Specialist
Church Planting Assistant
Discipleship Coordinator
Outreach Program Manager
Regional Ministry Representative
Training Program Assistant
Administrative Ministry Support
Associate degrees at Missional University are two-year college credit programs. Students must have completed 12 years of primary and secondary education (a high school diploma) to apply. Prospective students will also complete an online, digital library research and writing course provided by Missional University.
