Leadership & Spiritual Formation
Personal spiritual formation is at the heart of those in Christian leadership. At ADC we emphasize the exploration of identity, self-understanding, and personal growth so you will not only understand your own spiritual formation but also the spiritual formation in others.
Whether you are called to serve in rural or urban settings, through a specialization in Leadership and Spiritual Formation, you will be equipped with the skills to develop and lead vibrant ministries that have a significant social impact on the community.
In small group settings you will model the discipling of others and the cultivating of spiritual formation in a church. You will also have the opportunity to visit churches, observe ministries, and engage with pastors who are leading change in their communities.
The Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, a centre of excellence at ADC, fosters and promotes clinical and theological excellence in Pastoral Care through personal growth, the building of professional capacities and rigorous theological reflection.
For admission requirements and tuition information visit the Master of Divinity page.
Meet Dr. John McNally
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

Program Overview
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours IDTH 5010 Orientation Pass / Fail Biblical Studies BIBL 5023 Interpreting the Old Testament 3 BIBL 5033 Interpreting the New Testament 3 GREE 5013 Foundations of New Testament Greek 3 HEBR 5013 Foundations of Biblical Hebrew 3 BIBL (elective) Biblical Studies elective (Old Testament Narrative) 3 BIBL (elective) Biblical Studies elective (Old Testament Poetry or Prophetic Literature ) 3 BIBL (elective) Biblical Studies elective (New Testament Gospel) 3 BIBL (elective) Biblical Studies elective (New Testament Epistle) 3 Christian Thought CHUR 5013 Introduction to Christian History 3 THEO 5013 Christian Theology 1 3 THEO 5023 Christian Theology 2 3 THEO 6013 Christian Ethics 3 THEO 7113 Christian Theology in a Pluralistic Context 3 CHUR (elective) Christian History elective 3 CHUR or THEO Christian History elective or Theology elective 3 Ministry Core EVAN 5013 Evangelism and Mission in Contemporary Society 3 SPFM 5013 Christian Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders 3 PAST 5053 Preaching as a Practice and the Practice of Preaching 3 PAST 5063 Christian Worship…Now 3 PAST 6053 Creative Preaching: Beyond the ‘Big Idea’ 3 DISP 5013 Transformational Discipleship Ministry 3 PACC 5013 Understanding Pastoral Care and Counselling 3 PAST 7013 Mentored Ministry 1 3 PAST 7023 Mentored Ministry 2 3 Area of Specialization – Choose 4: LEDR 5073 Leadership That Advances the Mission 3 LEDR 6023 Leadership and Youth Ministry 3 LEDR 6043 The Practice of Leadership in Contemporary Ministry 3 LEDR 6063 Leading Healthy and Effective Churches 3 SPFM 7013 Pathways of Prayer: The Soul’s Quest for God 3 SPFM 7023 The Soul of Leadership 3 Electives2,3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Total Credit Hours 90
- Students with previous equivalent academic credit may apply for advanced standing in the same general area (i.e. Biblical Studies, Christian Thought, or Ministry).
- Survey of the Bible (BIBL 5013) required if Bible Knowledge Exam is not passed.
- Those seeking ordination within a Baptist context take Baptist History and Polity (CHUR 6013). Those seeking ordination within another denominational family should contact the Academic Dean regarding a Directed Study or alternate option for meeting denominational studies requirements within their tradition.