Home » Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism (MATGA)

The Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism (MATGA) is a 46 credit-hour fully online academic degree that prepares scholars, teachers, pastors and leaders to integrate knowledge of and formation in the Anabaptist tradition with service in their current and future communities. The program is uniquely shaped by AMBS’s historic Anabaptist identity, including having one of the oldest peace theology programs in the U.S., and by our commitment to teach the Anabaptist tradition from a global perspective.

The program is built around focused study of a theological discipline (Global Anabaptism) in the context of broader theological disciplines (biblical studies, peace studies, and practical theology). Core requirements are balanced with elective options, enabling students to design a program that meets their goals for future study or ministry.

Study with Anabaptist voices around the globe

MATGA coursework is delivered to learners across North America and beyond via our online course formats and interactive live-streaming technology. You will learn in collaboration with dedicated AMBS faculty members and other students, each in their own community contexts. Not only will the curriculum explore Anabaptism as an international movement, it will include studying the ideas and scholarship of Anabaptist Christians who are part of this global story.

Learn from our talented Teaching Faculty members

Our teaching faculty members are experts in their disciplines who teach from their real-life experience. They encourage students to integrate their experience and knowledge into a wise and discerning expression of their vocation.

In the MATGA program, you may have the opportunity to learn from some of these faculty members:

• David Boshart, PhD, President
• David Cramer, PhD, Core Adjunct Faculty
• Janna Hunter-Bowman, PhD, Associate Professor of Peace Studies and Christian Social Ethics
• Andy Brubacher Kaethler, PhD, Associate Professor of Christian Formation and Culture
• Susannah Larry, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
• Jamie Pitts, PhD, Associate Professor of Anabaptist Studies
• Allan Rudy-Froese, PhD, Associate Professor of Christian Proclamation
• Drew Strait, PhD, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins

Degree design

Most of the courses in the MATGA are offered in an online platform. Some of the course work may be completed via video conference attendance in synchronous classes meeting on the AMBS campus. The degree is designed to be completed part time over four years with two courses per semester, though students have the option of a shorter course of study if they spend a semester or more on campus studying full time.

Download our Admissions Calendar to see an overview of AMBS’s academic year and note important application deadlines.

Sample coursework for the Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism

Theology and History Studies

• Leadership Education in an Anabaptist Perspective
• Global Anabaptist Mennonite History and Theology
• Christian Theology 1

Biblical Studies

• Strange New World of the Bible
• Anabaptist Approaches to Scripture

Peace Studies

• Introduction to Peace Studies
• God’s Shalom and the Church’s Witness
• Christian Attitudes towards War, Peace and Revolution

Practical Ministry Studies

• Proclaiming the Faith
• Christian Leadership in the 21st Century
• Cultural Hermeneutics

Educational goals of the Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism

Graduates from the MATGA program will:

• Grow in knowledge about the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Anabaptist tradition.
• Build research skills through analysis of how Anabaptism developed and formed in Western and non-Western contexts and interacted with other Christian movements.
• Deepen their faith through spiritual and intercultural formation.
• Increase capacity to navigate the complexities of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and effectiveness in communicating the relevance of Anabaptist Christianity for our current times.

Why seminary?

Students and faculty share why and how they discerned attending their AMBS program

“This global classroom is essential to carry on the mission of God’s global church — to bear witness to the gospel of peace.” 

Drew Strait, PhD, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins

Meet the AMBS Admissions Team

From your first inquiry about seminary study to your transition from applicant to student, we’re here to help you.

Janeen Bertsche Johnson, MDiv

Admissions Associate

Teresa Thompson Sherrill, MDiv

Enrollment & Financial Aid Specialist

Paul Keim, PhD

Student Services Coordinator

Mary Ann Weber, MA

Director of Enrollment

Yes, you can afford seminary!

AMBS’s low base tuition rate

+ generous need-based financial aid
+ scholarships for full- or part-time student
+ church matching grants
= an affordable seminary degree

See how affordable it is