Who and what is it for?
The Crosslands Music Ministry (MM) track is for those who specialise in music ministry and leadership, usually in the local church, who may not yet have had any formal theological training. It has been developed by the Crosslands faculty in partnership with experienced Music Ministry leaders to provide rounded, in-depth biblical training and theological formation to those whose ministry has a specialist music leadership focus, equipping them for sustained, healthy ministry and leadership.
What does the course cover?
The Music Ministry specialist curriculum follows the same essential structure and content as the core Crosslands Seminary programme, covering biblical, doctrinal, pastoral and missional modules every year. But every module will include some specific focus that is relevant to the leadership of music ministry. This could include MM-specific reading, reflection exercises and assignment choices, some entire sections within modules, and one or two complete modules specifically created for MM specialists.
The course will run as a rolling programme for the first three years 1 to 3 (ie all students study the same modules in a given year for the first three years), with students who opt for MA accreditation completing a 4th year at the end of the programme to complete their accreditation. The following table shows the full curriculum:
| Year A (2023 – 24) |
Year B (2024 – 25) |
Year C (2025 – 26) |
Final Year (Year D) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biblical | New Testament Introduction* | Old Testament Introduction* | Introduction to Biblical Theology* | Advanced Biblical Studies |
| Pastoral | Pastoral Ministry** | Dynamics of Spiritual Growth* | Bible Exposition* | Biblical Counselling (SEBTS) |
| Doctrine | God, Humanity & Christ* | Salvation, the Church & Eschatology* | Doctrine in Historical Perspective* | Christian Leadership (with specialist electives)*** |
| Mission | Evangelism & Apologetics** | Culture & Context** | Music Ministry*** | Great Commission Studies (SEBTS) |
* Minor: MM applications through reading, exercise and assignment options
** Significant: strong elements of MM focus and application within the module
*** Bespoke: Module designed specifically for MM students
How do tutor groups work?
MM students will participate in the same tutor groups as students studying the core (non-specialist) curriculum, because we believe that learning to apply theological understanding and ministry skills in mixed teams is important for everyone’s development. Where possible tutor groups will be as close to home geographically as possible, although proximity is not guaranteed and there is always the option to participate online where travel is not realistic. MM students will also be part of a Crosslands-wide MM network, with access to experienced mentors. This will facilitate peer to peer support, knowledge sharing and networking amongst those with a particular interest the specifics of music ministry.
In what other ways does Crosslands support my ministry specialism?
MM students form a strong network, starting with your very first residential and continuing with both structured and informal interactions throughout the programme. By studying in community with others in a range of ministry roles as well as being part of a specialist network, you establish relationships that will support you through a lifetime of ministry: praying together, sharing ideas, inviting help and advice. The MM cohort also interacts with and influences the wider student body, helping to give those training for other ministry roles an understanding of the unique and vital part that MM can play in the life of the church.
I’m not sure I want to take the specialist MM track. Can I pick and choose some of the elements?
To a limited extent, yes. Students who are not registered for this track will still get to see any specialist assignment options within the course material, and may choose these options for some modules if your tutor agrees to that. We can also help you to network with the MM students informally, for example at residentials. However unless you are registered for the MM variant you will not be able to take the two MM elective modules (in years C and D).