Concentration in Christian Education

The Divinity School offers a concentration in Christian Education within the Master of Divinity curriculum. This concentration benefits persons seeking to practice as church educators, teachers, college chaplains, youth workers, or health care workers. Since educational ministry is rightly understood as organic to the church’s ministries of outreach, worship, mission, and nurture, persons called to parish ministry will find the concentration equally beneficial in preparing them for congregational leadership. In addition, the Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian Education will satisfy ordination requirements for deacons and elders in the United Methodist Church AND qualify them for “certification” in areas of Christian Education.

The Duke Difference

The Divinity School recognizes that it is possible to pursue educational ministry training online, at undergraduate institutions, or in two year (or less) graduate programs. We are committed, however, to the deep Christian formation of our graduates. Students will be in residence for three years in a community committed to practicing spiritual disciplines. They will reap the rewards of deep and sustained coursework in Biblical, theological, and historical traditions of the Christian Faith. This exploration will make them better teachers. It will also equip them to answer the “why” questions along with the “how” and “what” questions of educational ministry. Moreover, bucking the trend toward increasing specialization, Duke graduates will be prepared to envision and practice educational ministry across the entire landscape of congregation and community and not merely within the confines of the Sunday School. They will be ready to claim their “teaching office” as pastors or to serve as colleagues with pastors in a variety of settings.

Divinity School Education Faculty

Divinity School faculty with responsibilities for teaching educational ministries reflect Duke Divinity School’s unique approach. The Rev. Susan Eastman, Ph.D., has been a parish priest and church educator for 20 years and is trained as a Biblical scholar. Her expertise is in equipping persons to teach the Bible. The Rev. Fred Edie, Ph.D., served as a youth worker and church educator for 20 years and is trained as a theologian and educator. His interest is forming persons as disciples through practice and reflection. Edie also directs the nationally respected Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation, a laboratory for alternative practices of youth ministry. Many other faculty teach courses under the rubric “practicing theology in ministry.” These courses can be exceedingly helpful for persons preparing for educational ministries.

Concentration in Christian Education Tracking Sheet
MDiv with Concentration in Christian Education