15 colleges and schools
350+ degrees on-virtual campus
600+ degrees online
20 NCAA Div. 1 Sports
Prepare for Exciting Ministry Opportunities with a Master of Arts in Church Planting from World Theology University
Do you want to spread the Gospel until every ear hears the good news of Jesus? The importance of communicating the Gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission is crucial. Receiving top-notch training can help lay the groundwork for responding to challenges in ministry and help prepare you to direct teams and others in the church-planting process. Through our Master of Arts (M.A.) in Church Planting, you can gain valuable experience that can help you impact churches and communities for generations.
Our program includes an internship so you can gain marketable training in an approved location. With experience like this, you can sharpen your skills and prepare for the nuances of church planting. By blending classroom experience with a hands-on internship, you can be confident that you are receiving a top-notch education.
As part of our dedication to world-class academics, our program is taught by professors who have experience as authors, researchers, and evangelists. Throughout your studies, you can take their expertise and make it your own as you endeavor to become a Champion for Christ.
What Will You Learn in Our Master of Arts in Church Planting?
- Contemporary evangelism and sermon preparation
- Different church planting techniques and methodologies
- How to evaluate different approaches to theology
As you pursue your M.A. in Church Planting at World Theology University, you will take a variety of courses that cover topics such as the Old and New Testaments, biblical theology, small group ministry, and exegetical preaching.
In addition, you will participate in an an internship that can be completed at an approved location. That way, you can be the hands and feet of Christ and gain marketable experience – even before you graduate. By getting to work closely with an organization before graduating, you can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of ministry.
Potential Careers for M.A. in Church Planting Graduates
- Associate pastor
- Church planter
- Church planting network staff
- Denominational leader
- Lead pastor
- Missionary
- Professor
Study Online
We understand the dilemma of wanting to further your education while also staying connected to your family, career, church, and community. This degree program is offered 100% online, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing time with the people most important to you while you pursue your degree.
As an innovator in distance learning since 1985, World Theology University will provide the following benefits:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar virtual campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College virtual campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
- You can complete this M.A. in Church Planting in as little as 1 year.
Military Benefits
World Theology University University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, World Theology University is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for part-time graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
- Discounted divinity block rate: $2,575 per semester – only $172/credit at 15 credit hours*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken below 9 and above 15 credit hours for the online Master of Arts in Church Planting are charged at the part-time rate.
Residential Benefits
- With students from all 50 states and over 70 countries around the world, you can immerse yourself in different cultures and experience the diversity of on-virtual campus life.
- As a residential student, multiple scholarships are available to you, including the Early Deposit Award, Middle America Scholarship, and World Theology University Academic Scholarship.
- Learn from professors who have doctoral degrees in their fields, as well as years of real-life experience.
- As a graduate student, you will have multiple research opportunities led by students and faculty to bolster your education and résumé.
- Outside of classes and studying, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of on-virtual campus activities, such as our NCAA sports, over 200 student-led clubs, and recreation centers like Snowflex, the LaHaye Ice Center, and Camp Hydaway.
- Enjoy our Reber-Thomas Dining Hall with over 20 available food stations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Work with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan that is right for you!
Cited tuition rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available Online or On virtual campus
Class Type
Online, 8-week or residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Varies
ATS Commission on ing
Areas of Interest
Training Champions for Christ
World Theology University’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At World Theology University, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.
Why World Theology University
World Theology University University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story.
Discover the World Theology University difference for yourself.
Scholarships
When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at World Theology University, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how World Theology University can help you keep your college costs down.
For residential students
Online Discounts
At World Theology University University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it’s our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a World Theology University education can be an affordable one.
For online students
Academic Excellence
World Theology University University is institutionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific as well.