Lee University - Graduate Studies in Christian Ministry

Are you thinking about pursuing a graduate degree in ministry, but you’re just not sure it’s a good fit? Our non-degree-seeking-student option allows you to take up to three courses without going through a lengthy application process or making a firm commitment. Come and give us a try. You might just love it! Email [email protected] for more information.

Russell has worked as a music composer in Nashville, TN for 35 years, but seven years ago, God clearly called him to be a pastoral shepherd as well. While at Lee in the graduate Ministries Studies program, I was asked to join in launching a portable church plant in nearby Murfreesboro. Now having recently purchased our own campus and growing exponentially, I continue to serve as Associate Pastor at Seeds Church while still writing music for God’s glory.

When I applied for Lee’s Master of Arts program in Religion, it had been a daunting 30 years since I finished my undergrad degree. I was still making my full-time living in music while following a separate program to ordination. I realized immediately the department faculty was truly in my corner to make my process succeed. They were patient as I found a doable pace, both for class load each semester and the balance of online and on campus courses. Lee was the perfect choice for equipping me to lead well in this new season and calling.

Rev. Russell Mauldin

Know someone who you think would make a great minister? Tag them in the comments below and tell them why their gifts could make a difference in the lives of many.

The Graduate Studies in Christian Ministry program is accepting applications for the Spring 2022 semester. Apply here: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/apply/

To make inquiries, contact program secretary Jamie Williams-Huffstutter at [email protected].

Since graduating Lee in 2018 with her Masters in Christian Ministries: Leadership Emphasis, Olympia Pierce has allowed her passion for discipleship and administrative development to lead her to the community and nonprofit sector. She is the founder and CEO of ANU Foundational Group, an organization that focuses on personal, professional and life skills development. She also facilitates CoAction, a group of local leaders committed to racial healing and racial reconciliation through small group activities and community events. Olympia also partners with other nonprofit organizations in service and as a bible teacher.

“The graduate program provided so many opportunities to learn and grow as a student and as an individual. Prior to entering graduate school, I had a lot of uncertainty about my professional path but I fully immersed myself in the experience and took advantage of all Lee had to offer. I worked as a research and teaching assistant. I formed professional and personal relationships with the other students, and I allowed the professors to pour into me. When I left the program, I was confident and ready to begin the next chapter of my life.”

Olympia White Pierce

Since graduating, Becky Tompkins was promoted to work with a team that tests the functionality of configurations, systems, and tools for brand new launch sites worldwide at Amazon. In her role, she also supports and collaborates with multiple internal teams.
Becky has developed multiple training documents for the onboarding of new associates and has contributed to a variety of process improvements in her short tenure on her new team.

“When I completed the graduate program, I left a different person than when I had entered. I have a renewed sense of purpose and calling, along with a deeper sense of what it means to be a leader. The professors care about your education but more importantly, they care about who you are as a person. The program is built around developing meaningful and lasting relationships between faculty and students.

The Leadership tract of the program offers you the best of both worlds, a deeper theological understanding of leadership in addition to practical methods of godly leadership for everyday living. While the program emphasizes ministry studies, the principles, methods, and spiritual formation gained from the graduate program can be exhibited within the Christ follower who is a leader, in any environment.”
Becky Tompkins

Since graduating with his masters at Lee, Adam Enochs has taken on the role of Leadership Development Manager at First Citizens National Bank. He is responsible for internal coaching, leadership training, onboarding for new teammates, and facilitating various assessments. Adam is also co-founder and CEO of NEWLife Leadership, an executive coaching company with clients across the country from various industries. More recently he been a co-creator of a new program called Irrefutable Success University where individuals are given access to a self-guided, online version of leadership and personal development coaching. Adam lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife, Whitney. They are expecting our first child, a little girl, Mattie Elizabeth, in November.

When asked about his experience in our program, Adam said the following. Going through the Christian Ministries program at Lee prepared me in ways that were absolutely vital in my personal development, not only as a Christian, but as a leader. Having the opportunity to learn from leaders such as Dr. Lisa Long and her colleagues in the program gave me invaluable insight into the true nature of Christian leadership. I am unable to express the magnitude of influence they had on me as a student in this program. Rest assured that their influence continues to positively impact me, and what I learned in this program is something that I regularly lean on as I try to fulfill the purpose God has given me.

Adam Enochs

Since graduating Lee in 2018 with her Masters in Youth and Family Ministry Danielle Jennings Ervin has gotten married and moved to Henderson Kentucky. She and her husband Michael are serving at One Life Church as the Children's Pastors. One Life Church seeks to serve the community in offering radical belonging, restorative hope, and Jesus centered transformation so that people far from God can trust and follow Jesus. They partner with organizations in Henderson to meet basic needs within the community and help children feel safe and loved.

When asked about her experience at Lee, Danielle offered the following. “My time at Lee was some of the most influential years of my life. The leadership that was instilled in me during my time in graduate school has helped me become who I am today. I was viewed as a colleague and not just a student, and because of that many of my professors are now friends that I still call upon when I face triumphs and trials in ministry.”

Danielle Ervin

Ethan and Lauri West both earned their M.A. in Ministry Studies - Youth and Family Emphasis in 2013 (Lauri) and 2015 (Ethan). After earning their degrees, they have collectively served in student ministries of all ages, discipleship, and worship ministries in Tennessee and Kentucky. They are currently the Senior Pastors of Faith Redeemed Church of God in Leitchfield, KY. Lauri is also Administrator of Cumberland Christian Home Centered Education.

Ethan: “I enjoyed the atmosphere, topics of study, being considered more as a peer in class discussions, and the challenge of study sharpened my ability as a student, a minister, and a disciple of the Lord.”

Lauri: “The grad program changed my entire perspective of ministry and discipleship. I realized there is so much more to ministry than I ever thought and learned to find the why behind the what to inform intentional ministry. Education paired with anointing and experience is a dynamic trio in the life of the disciple of Christ! And that’s what you get with this program!”

Ethan Lauri West

Jeff Pitts graduated with an M.A. in Ministry Studies: Leadership Emphasis in the spring of 2021. After graduating from our program Jeff has decided to plant a church in Cleveland, TN. The Collectives Church, affiliated with the Assemblies of God, launches in September. It is built around a passion to see others become fully devoted disciples of Jesus, especially those of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. Jeff is also the co-host (along with Robert Fultz) of The Leadership Drip podcast.

Jeff says this of his graduate experience: “The program was incredible and it challenged me is so many ways. I am now a better leader, writer, and communicator. The faculty see the potential in you and do not let you settle for anything less. I am so grateful for my experience in the graduate program at Lee University.”

Melanie Willetts earned her M.A. in Ministry Studies – Worship Studies emphasis in 2013. Prior to and after earning her degree, she served as Minister of Music for churches in Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee and has served as the Director of Traditional Worship and the Chancel Choir at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Cleveland, TN since 2015. Melanie is a Certified Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church and has recently been appointed as Pastor at Trinity Unity Methodist Church, Cleveland, TN. Melanie’s life is quite full as she balances both ministry roles, teaches English to Chinese children, and pursues her avocation as a vocalist.

When asked about her experience in our program, Melanie says "My experience in the Lee University School of Religion Graduate Studies program quite literally changed my life. I have been in music ministry for most of my adult years, but I desired to dig deeper into the theology behind our worship. I now realize that God was preparing me for much more than I even imagined!"