Biblical Foundations -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Master of Divinity program will demonstrate knowledge of the Christian Scriptures, an ability to interpret scripture according to reasonable hermeneutical principles and discernment of the significance of the content of Scripture for issues of Christian leadership and ministry.

• Describe the content and historical backgrounds of books of the Old Testament. (MC3, MC5)(ATS A2.2)
• Describe the content and historical backgrounds of books of the New Testament. (MC3, MC5)(ATS A2.2)
• Analyze theological themes revealed in the Old Testament. (MC1, MC3)(ATS A2.1, A2.2)
• Analyze theological themes revealed in the New Testament. (MC1, MC3)(ATS A2.1, A2.2)
• Demonstrate the skills necessary for a detailed and accurate exegesis of Old Testament passages. (MC1, MC3, MC5)(ATS A2.2)
• Demonstrate the skills necessary for a detailed and accurate exegesis of New Testament passages. (MC1, MC3, MC5)(ATS A2.2)

Theological and Historical Foundations -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Master of Divinity program will demonstrate theological reflection skills in identifying common themes in the Bible and systematic theology and their historical development, analyzing current Christian traditions and contemporary theological movements, and applying biblical, theological, and historical themes to ministry.

• Explain the theological concept of God as creator and redeemer. (MC2, MC3)(ATS A2.2)
• Explain Christ's work in establishing and consummating the Kingdom of God. (MC3)(ATS A2.2)
• Describe key ways in which the contemporary church should model, support, and preserve the gospel in the midst of rapidly changing cultural and social contexts. (MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.2)
• Evaluate the effects of the historical and contemporary challenges on the church’s theology and practice. (MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.2)
• Describe significant ethical principles in Scripture, including the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy. (MC3)(ATS A2.2)
• Analyze the relationship between the Christian doctrine of the church and a particular tradition. (MC3)(ATS A2.2)
• Develop an ability to distinguish appropriately between essential and non-essential doctrines. (MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.2)

SPIRITUAL AND PROFESSIONAL FORMATION -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Master of Divinity program will demonstrate personal spiritual and professional development skills related to teaching, preaching, mentoring, and leading in ministry.

• Clearly communicate the teaching of Scripture through preaching. (MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4)
• Analyze the biblical basis and theological rationale for spiritual formation. (MC2, MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.4)
• Develop a mentoring program and a plan for implementation. (MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4)
• Apply theological and ethical principles to ministry situations. (MC2, MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.4)
• Identify the skills necessary to provide biblical leadership in a particular ministerial context. (MC2, MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.5)

Contextualization and Intercultural Studies -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s Master of Divinity program will demonstrate knowledge of cultural differences among people and the need to contextualize the gospel for communication in a variety of cultural settings.

• Analyze cultural ideologies and institutions from a Christian perspective. (MC2, MC3)(ATS A2.3)
• Communicate the gospel effectively within different cultural settings. (MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4, MC5)(ATS A2.3)
• Analyze how presuppositions and values contribute to receptivity to the gospel within a modern, secularized context. (MC2, MC3, MC4)(ATS A2.3)
• Identify principles for faithfully contextualizing Christianity within culturally diverse situations. (MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4, MC5)(ATS A2.3)