Taking advantage of the region’s unique geographic and demographic landscape, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary uses Fresno and the surrounding areas as an “urban laboratory” to train current practitioners and emerging leaders to impact urban centers. Students will develop excellent organizational leadership skills in order to effect sustainable change. Partnering with The Center for Community Transformation (CCT), The Master of Arts in Community Leadership and Transformation (MACLT) is a flagship program for the FPU Biblical Seminary. The CCT seeks to provide a faith-rooted, institutional engine and catalyst for systemic and sustainable transformation of a unique region into communities characterized by abundance and peace. The CCT is head-quartered on the seminary campus.
Highlights
- Purposeful community of learners and leaders
- Experienced and published faculty
- Theologically diverse student body
- MFT and ministry students integrated in foundational courses
- Options to study in Israel and/or attend the Hispanic Summer Program
- Diverse practicum opportunities
- Online courses available
- Fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Pending Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation.
Career opportunities
A Master of Arts in Community Leadership and Transformation will equip graduates practically, personally and theologically to provide effective leadership in urban areas in North American and global contexts. Graduates will be prepared to lead congregations and faith-based community benefit organizations in today’s complex urban environments.
Program director

Randy White, D.Min.
Faculty

Valerie Rempel, Ph.D.

Tim Geddert, Ph.D.

Mark Baker, Ph.D.

Lynn Jost, Ph.D.

Brian Ross, D.Min.
Admission requirements
- Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Online application and fee ($90)
- Personal profile questions
- Three letters of reference
- Writing sample
Download the Admissions Checklist to get started.
Course listing
Required Courses (48 Units)
Biblical and Theological Reflection (13.5 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 709 | Bible Knowledge Requirement Seminar | 0 |
BIB 725 | Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture Must be taken as a 2 unit course | 2 - 3 |
BIB 720 | The Church and God’s Mission in the World | 3 |
MIN 704 | Discerning Vocation and Calling | 1 |
MIN 750D | Cross-Cultural Encounter: San Francisco | 1.5 |
THEO 730 | Discipleship and Ethics Must be taken as a 3 unit course | 2 - 3 |
BIB 761 | Theology for Transformation | 3 |
MIN 765 | Spiritual Direction for the Community Developer | 0 |
Community Leadership and Transformation (21.5 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN 754 | Engaging the City | 3 |
MIN 726 | Kingdom Entrepreneurship | 3 |
MIN 756 | Ministry Among Marginalized People | 3 |
MIN 716 | Advocacy and Public Policy | 1.5 |
MIN 751 | Serving and Shaping Diverse Ministry Environments | 3 |
MIN 752 | Into the Neighborhood | 3 |
PACS 700 | Peacemaking Institute Must be taken as a 2 unit course | 2 – 3 |
THEO 740 | Global Christian Theologies | 2 - 3 |
Capstone Learning (6-9 Units)
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB 790CLT MIN 799 | Senior Seminar - Community Leadership or Thesis | 3 3-6 |
MIN 770CLT | Ministry Discernment-Community Leadership | 0 |
Students must choose one option
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN 795A MIN 795B MIN 795C | Community Leadership Transformation Practicum I and Community Leadership Transformation Practicum II or CLT Practicum: Organizational Leadership | 1.5 1.5 1.5 |
Electives (4-7 Units)
Must include 1.5 units from COUN courses