CMC vs. SMP
The Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC) is an MDiv equivalent program offered online.
The following table provides a comparison of the CMC at Concordia University, Irvine and the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Concordia Seminary offers a number of other programs, some of which complement the SMP program. For more information, please visit their website.
| |
Cross-cultural Ministry Center (CMC) |
Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program |
| History |
Established 1995 |
Established 2007 |
| End Goal (Telos) |
Missionary pastor facilitating and/or planting a new sustainable ministry |
Specific ministry within existing congregation |
| Curriculum Focus |
Intentional missional focus (in courses & vicarage) |
General ministerial formation |
| Roster Status |
General Pastor |
Specific Ministry Pastor |
| Degree Conferred |
MA in Theology (Theology & Culture) |
No degree |
| Admission Process |
CMC and CSL joint admission |
Recommendation of district president |
| Educational Prerequisites |
Bachelor’s degree (liberal arts preferred) |
No degree required (ability to work at Master’s level) |
| Biblical Language Prerequisite |
Greek (6 semester credit hours required = 9 quarter hours) |
No biblical languages required |
| Foreign Language Prerequisite |
6 semester credits or equivalent of modern foreign language (based on missional context/need) |
No modern language required |
| Quarter Credit Hours |
116 credit hours |
48 credit hours |
| Call and Ordination |
At conclusion of program |
After two years |
We are here to help. Please contact us to discuss whether the CMC is right for you.