Christian Ministry, BS*
The Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry prepares students for ministerial leadership. The combination of courses in the areas of biblical studies, theology, Christian history, ministry, and spirituality provide a broad educational experience conducive to understanding and engaging the challenges of ministry life. This broad experience is also designed to help students discern their ministry calling. Opportunities are provided for ministry experience, both as part of the campus community and through a required off-campus internship. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue graduate opportunities in seminary or other graduate programs in theology, and/or several different ministry positions. While graduates might pursue jobs in many different areas outside of congregations, special attention is given to leading congregations.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program. After completing program requirements:
- Christian Story: Graduates evaluate ministry decisions considering historical and global interpretations of the central themes of the Christian story.
- Contextual Discovery: Graduates approach ministry contexts from a variety of perspectives (including theological, sociological, and anthropological).
- God-centered Identity: Graduates operate from a God-centered identity and a dynamic sense of calling.
- Hospitable Leadership: Graduates partner with communities of faith in discerning and joining the work of God in God’s world.
- Scripture: Graduates interpret scripture contextually and theologically for the sake of local communities of faith and God’s world.
- World Engagement: Graduates recognize God’s presence and join God’s activity in God’s world in unexpected places.
Requirements for the BS in Christian Ministry (Traditional and RCU Online)
General Education Core 38 hours
In the Calling area of general education, ministry majors must take REL 1002, REL 1013, and MIN 2513. PSY 2013 is required in the Social and Behavioral Science area. REL 3923 satisfies the Diversity requirement.
Christian Ministry Major 51 hours
| BIB 2333 | Interpreting the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB 2983 | Interpreting the New Testament | 3 |
| | BIB 3000+ Old Testament | 3 |
| | BIB 3000+ New Testament | 3 |
| | BIB 3000+ textual course | 3 |
| | BIB 3000+ textual course | 3 |
| MIN 1333 | The Ministry Life | 3 |
| MIN 2613 | The Congregation | 3 |
| MIN 3523 | Practical Theology in Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 3613 | Pastoral Care | 3 |
| MIN 3813 | Ministry of the Word | 3 |
| MIN 3873 | Ministry Internship | 3 |
| REL 3923 | World Religions | 3 |
| THL 2013 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| THL 3793 | History and Theology of the Christian Tradition I | 3 |
| THL 4003 | History and Theology of the Christian Tradition II | 3 |
| THL 4393 | Senior Capstone | 3 |
Electives 31 hours
Total Credit Hours: 120