Online Master of Arts in
Intercultural Ministry Leadership
Earn your degree online while leading with purpose across cultures.
 100% Online, anywhere in the world
 Two Tracks: Course or Thesis
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.
 Graduate with Course or Thesis Track
 Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education
 Learn from Faculty with Hands on ExperienceÂ
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
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.
Complete 12 courses (3 credits each) for 36 total credits.
I. Bible & Theology |
3 |
Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) | 3 |
II. Mission StudiesChoose 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 |
III. General ElectivesChoose 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 |
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.
I. Bible & Theology |
3 |
Dynamics of Kingdom Ministry (BTH511) | 3 |
II. Ministry Leadership Core Courses |
6 |
Spiritual Formation for Leaders (LDR511) | 3 |
Jesus as Leader (BTH514) | 3 |
III. Ministry Leadership ElectivesChoose 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 |
IV. General ElectivesChoose 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 |
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 |
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
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.
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).
Submit your application online or over the phone.
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