The world is more interconnected than ever before. With the rise of tools like social media, smartphones, secured networks, and technology, our society has become more globally focused, allowing the connections between cultures to grow. Think about it – in just one click or phone call, you can reach the other side of the world and form a bond simply by tapping into your curiosity and yearning for knowledge. Throughout modern-day history, fellow Christian global thinkers have put their desire to expand their knowledge and consciousness into practice by working in a variety of settings and professions like becoming journalists, ministers, missionaries, historians, or nonprofit executives.
Through degrees like ACU’s online Master of Arts in Global Service, you can learn how to equip yourself for ministries that require living, working, and communicating in the intercultural contexts typical of today’s global society. Whether you’re looking at the world from a theological, sociological, anthropological, historical, or communicative lens, the M.A. in Global Service challenges students to analyze contemporary global concerns and formulate Christian perspectives to further explore solutions for intercultural challenges. It’s no wonder this degree is hyper-versatile for numerous careers post-graduation.
Interested in learning more about what types of global service career opportunities are available? Read more and see the wondrous possibilities you can achieve with a degree like Global Service.
Journalist
Known for their curious, creative, and quick-witted nature, journalists use research, interviewing, reporting, and writing skills to inform their audience of current events and issues around the world. Covering a wide range of topics like international politics, culture, and business ventures, both large and small, journalists with a global studies degree are considered experts in their field because of the types of courses and hard skills they have acquired, like communications and coordination. For example, to create a story, they need to develop a professional relationship with subject matter experts or reliable sources that provide further tips on a story. Often interviewing those with information or opinions on the piece they’re writing, journalists holding a global service degree can write from multiple angles, including for Christian audiences. Through classes like Church and Mission, students are taught to focus on understanding the relationship of the church to the mission of God in the world and applying that to actual contexts. Like journalists, students consider and analyze specific practices that lend themselves to contextual and missional innovation.
According to Indeed, journalists typically earn an average salary of $57K. However, depending on the city, journalists can earn close to $80K per year. Combine this salary with a career known for its fast-paced and rewarding outcomes, and you, too, can venture into the world of journalism.
Missionary
Giving up your comforts – and sometimes, safety – is not an easy feat. After all, Jesus’s last words in the Great Commission are,
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Focused on bringing others to Christ, a missionary is an individual sent by a religious organization or church to share a message and convince others of a particular belief. For our Christian context, this includes reaching all parts of the world and telling them about the good news of Jesus. Whether they face persecution, discomfort, or even death, missionaries holding a global service degree are more than equipped to take on the challenges with a greater vision of the future. Using skills like leadership and communication, missionaries can articulate their messages while guiding groups through unfamiliar countries, regions, or organizations. Taking classes like Foundations of Missional Practice, Leadership in Intercultural Contexts, and Reading & Engaging Contemporary Cultures, students interested in using their hands and feet for radical change will be provided opportunities to investigate the notion of culture, engage in critical reflection from an anthropological theory lens, and examine the biblical basis for church missions to lead in intercultural contexts. Besides sharing a message about their faith, people in this field may also take part in other endeavors like bringing aid to communities and serving others by feeding those in need – all with the commonality of working among people and spreading the gospel.
According to Indeed, missionaries typically earn an average salary of $45K. However, this can change depending on partnership donations, church organizations, and offerings.
Nonprofit Coordinators and Fundraisers
Studies show that while nonprofit work is changing to become increasingly marketized, it is still viewed as inherently meaningful and hard work. In other words, nonprofit work is no longer a sedentary career but an extremely active and fulfilling one. As a nonprofit coordinator, you will work closely with local institutions to connect with and maintain a strong volunteer base for your nonprofit organization. From training to coordinating various projects or events, nonprofit coordinators maintain business operations and are considered highly responsible personnel. Using skills like planning and managing, nonprofit coordinators with a global service degree become excellent delegators and Christian leaders. Through classes like Contexts of Ministry and Foundations of the Theology of Ministry, you will learn how to utilize resources and contextual practices to identify and explore contemporary ministries. Aiming to enrich your understanding of ministry work with vocational callings, you will benefit from a degree like this as a future nonprofit coordinator.
According to Indeed, nonprofit fundraisers typically earn an average salary of $64K. However, this can change depending on your organization’s needs and size.
During the Master of Arts in Global Service program at ACU Online, you will analyze global issues and learn what it means to appreciate cultural differences to effectively share God’s love across borders and settings. As a student, you will take a set of core classes that will focus on the foundations of theology and missional practice. Upon completion of this 48-credit-hour program, you will have the skills and knowledge to pursue a career as a Christian leader in a global context, as well as explore contemporary issues through the lens of Christian faith.
If you’re interested in learning an innovative, real-world curriculum that will lead to a successful life of ministry and Christian leadership, visit our website today!