Northwind Theological Seminary
Metamodern Ministry
Metamodern Ministry is a form of Christian ministry that integrates the insights of the Modern era (e.g., faith in progress, individual merit) and the Postmodern era (e.g., critique of grand narratives, deconstruction) to form a cohesive and robust spiritual life. It seeks to move beyond the nihilism of postmodernism by finding coherence among worldviews, embracing a developmental perspective of oscillation where the new integrates the strengths of the old while acknowledging their differences.
Our approach aims to reconcile intellectual understanding with devotional practices, integrate scientific and religious wisdom, and offer a new spiritual model for a changing world by fostering authentic community and exploring universal transcendent ideas creatively.
Metamodern Faith-Based Leadership
Blend the spiritual conviction and ethical grounding of traditional faith with the critical awareness, nuance, and sincerity characteristic of the metamodern cultural paradigm.
Our approach moves beyond postmodernism's cynicism and relativism by embracing both hope and skepticism simultaneously, using modern grand narratives with an "informed naivety".
This form of leadership is not just about having faith, but about how to lead with that faith in a complex, pluralistic, and ever-changing world.
Rev. Robert J. Duncan, Jr. D.Min, ThD
Center Director
President, Northwind Consortia
Professor of Leadership & Specialized Ministry
Metamodern Specialized Ministry
Discover new emerging forms of religious or spiritual practice that address the current techno-cultural era.
Our approach combines the sincerity and purpose of modernism with the self-awareness and pluralism of postmodernism and defines the oscillation between the two previous eras.
Metamodern Specialized Ministry helps individuals and communities navigate our complex, uncertain world without resorting to either naive idealism or cynical deconstruction.
Master in
Specialized Ministry
30 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well Experience
Foundation Seminar
Contextualization
Seminar
Research Methods
Research Course
Capstone Paper
Continuing Well Experience
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Doctor in
Specialized Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well Experience
Foundation Seminar
ContextualizationSeminar
Research Methods
Research I
Research II
Treatise Paper
Continuing Well Experience
Ministry|PATH
Transfer Ministry
Experience & Training
for Advanced Standing
Degree Awarded by
Northwind Seminary
Master of Arts
Specialized
Ministry
48 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well Experience
Holistic Well-Being
Christian Spirituality
Biblical Literacy
Reflection in Community
Christian Theology
Culture & History
Contextual Project
Mentored Life
Continuing Well Experience
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Master of Arts
Faith-Based Leadership
48 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well Experience
Holistic Well-Being
Development of Leadership
Culture & Context of Community Engagement
Collaborative Leadership
Reflection in Community
Contextual Project
Mentored Life
Continuing Well Experience
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Doctor of Minstry
Specialized Ministry
36 Credits
Course of Study
Starting Well Experience
Effective Project Design
Foundations
Contextualization
Demographics & Culture
Doctoral Project & Paper
Continuing Well Experience
Degree Awarded by
Kairos University
Program Outcomes
These degrees focus on formation, biblical study, vocational discernment, theological reflection, and integrated practice. , the Doctor of Ministry helps you connect your journey of discipleship with what God is doing in the world. Through the degree programs, students develop and demonstrate competency in their area of specialized ministry.
Customized Learning Experiences
Learning experiences have been built around an invitation for students to explore some aspect of their vocation, Christian thought and practice, or the human experience. Students progress through these learning experiences in the way that is most helpful to them in their context and vocation. They work with faculty members to create customized learning experiences that help them develop vocational excellence and expertise.
Final Project
The Kairos Degrees includes a final project integrating the student's learning, theology, and practice. The project is intended to provide vocational context by planning, conducting, and reflecting on a project completed in the student's ministry context. Students work with a mentor team to customize or concentrate on any area of interest. Students can focus on anything from missional theology, systems design, thinking, pastoral care, or chaplaincy to biblical languages, spiritual formation and direction, finances, strategic leadership, and much more.
Contextual Learning
Throughout the program, students work with a mentor team to design learning experiences entirely shaped by what they are doing (or will do) in their current or desired ministry or vocational context. Are you planting a church? Building a youth ministry program? Developing curriculum? Then use that in your program! Are you managing finances? Writing code? Building homes? Developing software? Leading teams? Then use that in your program! If an experience or project is connected to what it means to flourish in your ministry or vocation, use it to progress in your program!