MRE in Missional Leadership
Mission
The mission of the Master of Religious Education in Missional Leadership (MREML) is to prepare those called to professional or lay ministry to adapt and lead in a new missional era within the setting of their own congregation or ministry context. The MREML offers an integrated learning experience that combines courses in Scripture, theology, and ministry along with the practices of leadership in one’s faith community. Student learning is deepened through cohort-learning, on-site visits with missional practitioners, and spiritual formation practices that are integrated in the program from beginning to end.
Summary of Program
The MREML is a 36-hour cohort-based degree program that is typically completed within two years. Students may join in August or December and remain with the same cohort for the duration of the program. Students travel to a variety of locations in the U.S. at the beginning of each of the four semesters for a one-week intensive course and retreat. The remainder of the learning is completed online. Students are required to have a ministry context where they are permitted to implement course projects, though students are not required to be employed by a congregation. Students take four courses in each of the following areas: theology, Biblical text, and ministry, including a capstone course and portfolio defense during the final semester.