Four Year Degree Program - 120 credit hours
This program equips students to provide leadership in ministry. The role of a pastor is to "equip God's people to do his work" (Eph. 4:11 NLT) not to do all the ministry. There is much more to leading churches to effectiveness for the Kingdom than just knowing your Bible and being able to preach/teach – although those are important aspects. This program equips students with a solid knowledge of the Bible and how to properly understand it as well as develop their understanding and skills in leadership and their spiritual character. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain experience through a one-year practicum and to be mentored by leaders who understand how to develop other leaders and teach them how to live life as a pastor.
Course Requirements
Biblical and Theological Studies (36 credit hours)
Biblical Studies (24 credits)
- BBL100 Introduction to the Bible (3)
- BBL211 Synoptic Gospels (3)
- BBL220 Pentateuch (3)
- BBL310 Biblical Hermeneutics (3)
- BBL311 Luke/Acts (3)
- BBL314 Pauline Epistles I (3)
- BBLxxx Biblical Studies Elective (3)
- BBLxxx Biblical Studies Elective (3)
Theological Studies (6 credits)
Christian Spirituality (6 Credits)
- CSP130 Introduction to Christian Spirituality (3)
- CSP350 Personal and Spiritual Development for Leaders (3)
General Arts (36 credit hours)
- COM100 Introduction to Communication (3)
- HTH180 Christian Mind (3)
- HTH272 Introduction to World Civilizations (3)
- HTH274 Leadership Principles (3)
- HTH283 Principles of Philosophy(3)
- HTH287 History of Christianity I (3)
- HTH288 History of Christianity II (3)
- ICS150 Global Christian Citizenship (3)
- IDS101 Christian Faith & Practice II (3)
- SSC193 Principles of Psychology (3)
- SSC194 Principles of Sociology (3)
General Arts Elective (3)
Professional Studies (45 credit hours)
Core Leadership Courses (21 credits)
- LDR100 Discipleship I (3)
- LDR101 Discipleship II (3)
- LDR201 Issues for Leadership Effectiveness (3)
- LDR301 Leadership Strategies (3)
- LDR310 Team Leadership Theories & Practices (3)
- LDR402 Leadership Capstone Course (3)
- FE101 Field Education I (1)
- FE201 Field Education II (1)
- FE301 Field Education III (1)
Pastoral Leadership Specialization (24 credits)
- LDR431 Homiletics (3)
- LDR432 Pastoral Leadership Foundations (3)
- LDR433 Pastoral Leadership Practices (3)
- LDR434 Pastoral Care (3)
- LDR439 Pastoral Leadership Practicum (12)
- Electives (3 credit hours)
Field Education
Field Education units are an integral part of this program. The student observes and experiences various ministries in the first year and then gets involved in increasing levels of leadership during their second and third years all while being mentored. This real-world experience prepares them for the final year where they will serve in ministry at least half-time for the full year and get a complete experience in pastoral leadership – again with a mentor to guide them through the journey.
Profile of a Graduating Student
A graduating student will:
- give evidence of suitable character with respect to minstry;
- give evidence of ministry passion, gifting, calling and relational skills;
- demonstrate realistic understanding of the personal and professional life of a pastor;
- acquire evident personal knowledge and skills of leadership;
- demonstrate a strong grounding in general Bible knowledge and in the historic and cultural backgrounds of the Bible;
- demonstrate skills in the interpretation, application, and communication of biblical truth;
- articulate and support a personal understanding and application of Christian doctrine;
- demonstrate a personal commitment to evangelism.
Career Path Options
Most often, this major is a graduate’s first step towards work in an associate or senior pastor role in a local church setting.
Future Education Possibilities
This degree program provides the student with a foundation for graduate studies in various Christian fields.