In today’s world, it is common for churches to have several volunteer leaders and staff members who are bi-vocational. For many, leaving the workforce to go to seminary may not be an option due to family and work commitments. An online Christian Studies degree program can offer more flexibility for your schedule while equipping you with skills essential to answering your call to serve in the ministry.
What can I study to become a ministerial leader?
Within a degree program, different concentrations are available to tailor your education to various kinds of service. “Many Christian ministry degree programs…provide you with an effective Christian ministry education, but the specializations allow you to focus the degree in the emphasis area you prefer,” Indeed writes.
If you are an aspiring pastor, youth minister, or evangelist, concentrating on Biblical & Theological Studies within a Christian Studies program will develop your preaching and teaching skills. It can also provide you with discipleship techniques while enhancing your theological studies. Your education will help you to passionately and effectively spread the gospel and inspire faith.
These courses are designed to teach you “how to use historical texts, geography, and cultural contexts to interpret the contents of the Old and New Testaments. Graduates will be prepared to clearly and concisely communicate scriptural messages to target audiences,” according to Online Christian Colleges.
What if I’m not called to be a pastor?
Ministry opportunities are not limited to preaching in churches and pastoring congregations but may also include serving as a missionary or directing a church program. You may be called to lead a worship team or manage a non-profit, Learn.org notes. Concentrating on Ministry Leadership within a Christian Studies degree program or majoring in Ministry Leadership can help you develop your spiritual gifts, prepare to serve within a ministry organization, and utilize the experiences and abilities your volunteers and staff members bring to the table.
A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree with a concentration in Ministry Leadership will explore concepts related to missions, youth ministry, and worship practices. If you pursue an Associate in Ministry Leadership, you will study spiritual formation and hermeneutics, or the interpretation of the Bible, at an introductory level. A Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership will build upon those concepts through the study of church history, world religions, ethics, and pastoral care.
A notable ministry leadership degree program will allow you to serve in a ministry setting while completing your studies. Additionally, you may receive academic credit for supervised ministry in a church or other ministry opportunity.
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With over 100 years in Christian higher education, Bluefield University serves students with degree programs that enable them to go further. Our Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership, and Associate of Ministry Leadership degrees employ nontraditional course delivery and practical experiences to prepare students to serve as a pastor, work with youth, or spread the gospel as a missionary. With a caring faculty and supportive staff, students receive personalized one-on-one support with a personal success coach throughout their online degree program. To get started in a Bluefield University degree program today, please visit the Christian Studies program page, visit the Ministry Leadership program page, or email [email protected].