Yes. The degree (MATS or MAML) is awarded by Southeastern University, a regionally accredited university. The School of Divinity is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

This is not a church-issued certificate, internal credential or nationally accredited degree. It is a fully recognized regional (the highest level) graduate degree.

The degree requires 36 credit hours.

At the expected pace of two 3-credit courses per semester (6 credit hours per semester), most students complete the program in approximately 18–24 months.

Motivated students may complete it more quickly.

The Timothy Project launches Wednesday, October 7th,  6:30p -7:45p in the Cross Church Auditorium for your first class. Your first financial payment to SEU should be made on Oct 1st – 5th. 

This is graduate-level work.

Participants should expect:

• Approximately 6–12 hours per week of reading, writing, and study (depending on pace and reading speed). 

This program makes it possible for full-time professionals to pursue a fully accredited master’s degree without stepping away from their career or family responsibilities.

• One required in-person formation gathering per month (Wednesday, 6:30–7:45 PM)

• Scheduled serving at Cross Church a minimum of two times (two services) per month. While SEU allows rolling enrollment, The Timothy Cohort accepts new participants only in the Fall semester to preserve shared rhythm and community formation.

• You may join SEU’s subscription degree program without the Timothy Project/Cross Church overlay at any time, however doing so will not include you in those mentoring/discipleship activities.

This is not a light commitment. It is a focused season of intentional growth.

The MAML comprises 36 credit hours. Under the previous pricing model of $545 per-credit-hour, the MAML cost was $19,620 plus fees. Click here and scroll down to “Cost Saving Examples” to see the estimated degree costs for the subscription-based format, based on the number of credit hours taken at a time each semester. 

The subscription-based format is $399 per month (set by SEU).

Students pay SEU directly. Cross Church does not determine tuition costs.

Because this program is offered at a discounted subscription rate, federal financial aid is not available.

While SEU allows rolling enrollment, The Timothy Project accepts new participants only in the Fall semester to preserve shared rhythm and community formation.

All participants are expected to:

• Complete the SEU application (degree track only)
• Participate in a Cross Church online application
• Sign the Timothy Project covenant
• Attend the monthly formation gathering
• Serve at Cross Church at least two times per month
• Maintain steady academic and spiritual progress

AI tools (such as ChatGPT or similar platforms) may be used as supplemental tools for brainstorming or clarification.

However, participants may not use AI or online summaries to bypass reading assigned books or replace their own theological thinking and written work.

The goal of this journey is not simply information, but transformation.

No.

The Timothy Project is open to spiritually mature believers who are actively involved in the life of Cross Church and willing to serve faithfully.

Students who complete the 36-credit Master of Arts degree are eligible to participate in Southeastern University’s in-person commencement ceremony.

In addition, Cross Church will publicly recognize, pray over, and commission graduates during a Sunday gathering.

Competency-based education (CBE) is a flexible learning model that allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of specific competencies rather than simply completing seat time in a traditional classroom format.

Unlike traditional academic pathways that often emphasize writing numerous theoretical research papers detached from real-life application, competency-based education focuses on developing measurable skills and demonstrated understanding.

In this format:

• You work at a structured but flexible pace
• You demonstrate learning through applied assignments
• Many projects connect directly to your ministry context or leadership role within Cross Church
• You integrate theological study with real-world service and leadership

The goal is not simply producing academic papers.

The goal is becoming competent in Scripture, theology, leadership, and discipleship — and applying that growth meaningfully in your actual life and ministry.

This creates a formation environment where academic depth strengthens real-world faithfulness. 

No.

The degree you receive is exactly the same Master of Arts theological degree awarded to students in traditional formats at Southeastern University and other seminaries.

You receive grades.

You earn a GPA and have transcripts.

Your transcript reflects graduate-level coursework.

Your diploma does not distinguish between competency-based or traditional formats.

The academic standards, accreditation, and degree requirements remain the same.

The difference is the learning model — not the legitimacy of the degree.

An undergraduate degree is ideal, but not having one does not automatically disqualify you from this program. 

For students who do not have a completed college degree but desire admission, SEU may request additional information as part of the application process. In some cases, SEU is able to consider admissions exceptions through ATS, the Association of Theological Schools.

So please do not disqualify yourself too quickly. When in doubt, apply. We want to help you explore whether this opportunity may be available to you.

Pastor Josh serves as the Lead Faculty Mentor with Southeastern University, helping students walk through their ministry degree with guidance, encouragement, and practical support.

In this role, Pastor Josh acts as a guide for your coursework, helping you understand course expectations, think through assignment options, and connect what you are learning to real ministry leadership. He also serves as your professor for each of your 12 courses, evaluates your work, and grades your assignments throughout the program.

Because SEU’s program uses a competency-based model, students are not just completing classes; they are demonstrating that they can faithfully apply biblical, theological, and leadership principles in real-life ministry settings. Pastor Josh helps students identify how their current ministry experience, calling, and coursework can work together as evidence of growth and mastery.

At the heart of Pastor Josh’s leadership in this program is a deep desire to make disciples who fulfill the Great Commission both inside and outside of the local church. His motivation is not simply to help students earn a degree, but to raise up faithful, equipped, Spirit-empowered leaders who can serve the church, reach their communities, and participate in the mission of Jesus wherever God sends them.

For pastors, ministry leaders, and emerging leaders in the program, Pastor Josh helps bridge the gap between theological education and practical ministry.

No. Participation in this process does not guarantee employment, a staff position, or future placement at Cross Church or any other ministry.

This process is first and foremost about discipleship, growth, and leadership development. That said, as opportunities arise, those who consistently demonstrate faithfulness, humility, spiritual maturity, and leadership capacity may naturally be considered for greater responsibility.

More information about SEU’s MAML/MATS CBT programs can be found here: https://seu.edu/academics/programs/ma-in-ministerial-leadership/#details