Pastoral Ministry Major

The pastoral ministry major is designed for students called to full-time vocational ministry in either the church or parachurch setting to adults. Students will be equipped with a strong biblical and theological foundation alongside practical tools to prepare and teach curriculum, navigate culture, and offer leadership. Some students will move immediately into ministry following graduation while others will continue their education with graduate studies in preparation for becoming a lead pastor. Most students pursue ordination alongside their pastoral ministry studies. This major is designed to meet the educational requirements for ordination

The rewards of pastoral ministry far outweigh the challenges. Community ministry experience and a full summer internship are part of the degree requirements. In their final year, students are assigned to a church for ministry with a staff or neighboring pastor as their mentor; take classes on campus; and complete a final project.

Pastoral Ministry Students

• Study cross-cultural ministry, missiological foundations, anthropology, intercultural communication, world religions.
• Study abroad and experience the Christian faith in other cultures and countries.
• Go on student mission trips and serve people living around the world and throughout the U.S.
• Study Biblical hermeneutics, cross-cultural ministry, homiletics, Christian theology and pastoral care/counseling.
• Learn from professors who once served as pastors of congregations.
• Volunteer for a variety of jobs with area congregations to get firsthand ministry experience.
• Serve alongside pastors as they lead worship, teach classes, mentor volunteers and respond to crises.