Ministry is about more than serving the church. It's about transforming lives one person at a time.
Whether you already work in a ministry setting, feel called to do so, or just want to deepen your understanding of what ministry is all about, there’s a place for you in our B.A. in Christian Ministries program. You’ll experience transformation of your mind and heart while gaining the relevant skills to serve where God calls you. By digging into the history of your own spiritual development, you’ll learn to lead from the inside out so you’re prepared for a lifetime of effective Christian service.
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At Bethel, your professional, life, military, and past educational experience could count as credits toward your degree. Save time and money. Find out more about how you could qualify for and earn college credits.
Program Option(s)
Christian Ministries
Through our Christian ministries program, you’ll grow in knowledge of the Bible, theology, and yourself as you develop the leadership skills that will allow you to serve in the place to which God calls you.
| Deliveries | Face to Face, and Online |
| Locations | Online, and St. Paul |
| Credits | 48 |
| Cost per Credit | $430 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $20,640* |
* These program details and costs are estimated and subject to change. View our program details disclaimer for more information.
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Developing Effective, Transformative Ministry Leaders
There’s a lot at stake for ministry leaders. That’s why we focus on developing your internal walk with God as an integral part of your external service to God. Building a solid foundation in biblical studies and theology—and experiencing life transformation—are hallmarks of our program.
You’ll investigate your own faith development and how it applies to leadership in your current ministry. And you’ll develop foundational spiritual disciplines that will strengthen your faith so you’re prepared for wherever God takes you—whether your goal is to serve as a layperson or a pastor.
95%
of 5-year alumni are involved in leadership roles
- Bethel CAPS Alumni Survey85%
of recent graduates volunteer for charitable causes
- Bethel CAPS Alumni SurveyProgram Highlights
Practical experience
Refine your philosophy of ministry and assess your personal skills as you grow into a lifelong leader through a practicum course that gives you an opportunity to participate in hands-on work under an experienced mentor.
Preparation for seminary
This program provides a solid foundation for seminary study or other graduate education. Bethel Seminary, located on our main campus, provides numerous degrees in a variety of convenient formats, including online. And you'll receive advanced standing with credit at the seminary. If accepted, three of the Christian ministries courses count in place of three seminary courses.
Experienced Christian faculty
We believe in formation, not indoctrination. Our instructors come to the classroom with all kinds of ministry experience and faith perspectives—giving you practical applications to what you're learning.
Community and connection
Enduring in effective ministry requires a community of peers and mentors to help guide you in your leadership. You’ll forge some of the best spiritual friendships of your life.
Exploration of calling
Thriving in a lifetime of ministry requires a sense of purpose and fit to focus your energies. Our professors help you explore your individualized calling so that you can discern where your passion meets the world’s need.
Character development
Maintaining a vibrant relationship with God transforms your character and your ministry. Our course work will help you design a personal set of spiritual disciplines to keep you vitally connected to Christ.
Flexibility
We know many of our adult students work full time, have families, and are serving in their community while in school. Our schedules make it easier for you to earn your degree and plan around your life schedule.
Outcomes
Our Christian ministries program will give you a practical faith foundation and ministry leadership skills that work in real settings. Our graduates work in a variety of lay and pastoral ministry leadership roles.
Careers
Whether bi-vocationally or serving full time, our graduates pursue:
- Pastoring in urban, suburban, or rural settings
- Youth or children’s ministry
- Worship leadership
- Lay counseling
- Prayer ministry
- Christian education in church settings
- Community ministry
- Missions work
- Chaplaincy
- Faith-based nonprofits and other parachurch ministries
(Some of these careers require additional master’s level graduate or seminary degrees.)
Graduate Fields
Our graduates go on to study:
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Master of Arts in Ministry Practice
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies
- Master of Arts in Christian Thought
- Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership