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Online Master of Arts in

Intercultural Ministry Leadership

Earn your degree online while leading with purpose across cultures.

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Flexible Start Dates
Jan 05, 2026 | Aug 18, 2026
Flexible start dates year-round

36

Credit Hours

  100% Online, anywhere in the world

  Two Tracks: Course or Thesis

Lead with Vision through BGU’s Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Leadership

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Leadership equips students to serve as transformative leaders in today’s global missions movement. Whether leading on the front lines, training national leaders, or mobilizing strategic sending efforts, graduates gain the biblical foundation, cross-cultural awareness, and leadership skills needed to influence people and organizations for the Kingdom. Through either a course-based or thesis track, students are prepared to cast vision, develop strategies, and lead with integrity in diverse ministry contexts.

What Sets BGU Apart?

  Graduate with Course or Thesis Track

  Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education

  Learn from Faculty with Hands on Experience 

Why Choose BGU’s Masters in Intercultural Ministry Leadership Program?

This program is designed for those who feel called to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. By combining spiritual formation with practical leadership training, it equips students to navigate cultural differences, foster collaboration, and develop leaders across contexts. Choosing the M.A. in Intercultural Ministry Leadership means being equipped not only to lead effectively today, but also to shape the future of missions through innovation, vision, and Christ-centered influence

What Will You Study?

You’ll take courses in theology, global leadership, intercultural studies, and spiritual development. The course track includes practical electives in leadership, intercultural studies, Bible and theology, and history. Thesis students complete 7 courses and a 15 credit research project tailored to their ministry.

Course Track:

Complete 12 courses (3 credits each) for 36 total credits.

Bible & Theology

I. Bible & Theology

3

Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) 3

Missions Studies Core

II. Mission Studies

Choose four of the following*

12

Cross-Cultural Communication in Ministry (ICS511) 3
Intercultural Interaction in Mission (ICS512) 3
Missiological Anthropology (ICS521) 3
Applied Church-Planting Models & Methods (ICS522) 3
Contextualization in Missions (ICS523) 3

General Electives

III. General Electives

Choose three courses from the following*

9

Transforming Power of the Gospel (BTH512) 3
Biblical Foundations of Leadership (BTH513) 3
Missiological Education – Training for Affective Growth (EDU511) 3
Philosophy of Missiological Education (EDU521) 3
Cross-Cultural Ministry – Design for Effective Teaching (EDU522) 3
Missiological Education – Design of Affective Training (EDU523) 3
Ministry Training – Program and Curriculum Design (EDU524) 3
Cross-Cultural Communication in Ministry (ICS511) 3
Intercultural Interaction in Mission (ICS512) 3
Missiological Anthropology (ICS521) 3
Applied Church-Planting Models and Methods (ICS522) 3
Contextualization in Missions (ICS523) 3
Movements and Becoming a Movements Catalyst (ICS524) 3

Thesis Track:

The Thesis Track gives students the option of 7 courses from Bible and Theology, Intercultural Studies, Leadership, Education, a Research Methods course, and a 12 credit thesis. The thesis must relate to the application of intercultural leadership concepts to the student’s current or anticipated ministry. The total number of credits is 36.

Bible & Theology

I. Bible & Theology

3

Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) 3

Ministry Leadership Core Courses

II. Ministry Leadership Core Courses

6

Spiritual Formation for Leaders (LDR511) 3
Jesus as Leader (BTH514) 3

Ministry Leadership Electives

III. Ministry Leadership Electives

Choose three courses from the following*

9

Transforming Organizational Culture in Mission (LDR512) 3
Leading Multicultural Teams in Mission (LDR521) 3
Lifelong Christian Leadership Development (LDR522) 3
Measuring and Improving Christian Leadership (LDR523) 3
Mentoring and Developing Christian Leaders (LDR524) 3
Collaborative Missions Leadership (LDR531) 3
Creative Innovation in Christian Leadership (LDR532) 3
Vision and Strategic Planning in Mission (LDR533) 3

General Electives

IV. General Electives

Choose one courses from the following*

3

Transforming Power of the Gospel (BTH512) 3
Biblical Foundations of Leadership (BTH513) 3
Missiological Education – Training for Affective Growth (EDU511) 3
Philosophy of Missiological Education (EDU521) 3
Cross-Cultural Ministry – Design for Effective Teaching (EDU522) 3
Missiological Education – Design of Affective Training (EDU523) 3
Ministry Training – Program and Curriculum Design (EDU524) 3
Cross-Cultural Communication in Ministry (ICS511) 3
Intercultural Interaction in Mission (ICS512) 3
Missiological Anthropology (ICS521) 3
Applied Church-Planting Models and Methods (ICS522) 3
Contextualization in Missions (ICS523) 3
Movements and Becoming a Movements Catalyst (ICS524) 3
Transforming Organizational Culture in Mission (LDR512) 3
Leading Multicultural Teams in Mission (LDR521) 3
Lifelong Christian Leadership Development (LDR522) 3
Measuring and Improving Christian Leadership (LDR523) 3
Mentoring and Developing Christian Leaders (LDR524) 3
Collaborative Missions Leadership (LDR531) 3
Creative Innovation in Christian Leadership (LDR532) 3
Vision and Strategic Planning in Mission (LDR533) 3

Thesis Research Courses

V. Thesis Research Courses

15

Thesis Intro: Missiological Research Methods (RSC511) 3
Thesis I: Defining the Problem and Proposed Methodology (RSC611) 3
Thesis II: Literature Research and Refined Methodology (RSC612) 3
Thesis III: Discovery, Analysis, and Conclusions (RSC613) 3
Thesis IV: Findings and Conclusions (RSC614) 3

Career Opportunity

Graduates step into ministry, missions, and leadership roles with confidence—shaping teams, launching initiatives, and discipling future leaders.

  National or Regional Church Leader Developer

  Nonprofit or NGO Executive in Global Missions

  Educator or Trainer in Intercultural Leadership Development

Cost & Aid

Bethany Global University’s mission-focused education is designed to be affordable. Graduate tuition is $383 per credit, with a $75 technology fee and about $250 per semester for books and supplies

BGU offers a combination of federal student aid and institutional aid. To qualify for the maximum amount of aid students should complete the FAFSA annually.

Admission Information

Applying for BGU’s Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry Leadership online starts with a simple application form. There is a $25.00 application fee, which is waived if the application is completed over the phone with an admissions counselor. You will provide basic information, spiritual information, and education history.

For international applicants, you will need proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90 or Duolingo 120).

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply Now

Apply by Phone

952.996.1315

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