BA in Christian Ministry Degree

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Overview

Pursue Your Calling for Church-Based Work and Leadership

The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon University is designed for future ministry leaders who feel called to bring the Word of God to others. Immerse yourself within a Christian environment as you work toward personal and spiritual growth. Offered by the College of Theology, this degree in Christian ministry can equip you for work in fields such as pastoral ministry, administrative ministry, church-based work, missions, Christian nonprofit services or other ministry-focused work. This program teaches you to integrate your faith into all aspects of life and to encourage others in ministry settings to do the same. Prepare yourself to answer the call that God has placed upon your life.

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Why GCU

Why Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry From GCU?

For those with a heart for pastoral leadership, GCU’s BA in Christian Ministry is a foundation upon which to build a career in vocational ministry. The program teaches you the knowledge and skills necessary for faithful Christian ministry. Beyond the curriculum built from the Christian worldview, GCU offers a learning environment that reflects our commitment to following the Word of God. You will join a campus community comprised of students and instructors who share your faith and you will have numerous opportunities to join in on-campus worship activities while working toward your bachelor’s in Christian ministry.

Female Christian Ministry students with bibles outside learning from male pastor
Coursework

Develop Core Theological Competencies

The bachelor’s in Christian ministry at GCU teaches a robust and well-rounded theological curriculum. Program courses focus on both professional and personal faith formation, guiding you to clarify your calling and find your own pastoral identity. The curriculum teaches you to apply biblical truths both personally and practically in your life and ministry.

Particular emphasis is placed on contextualizing Christianity within a variety of diverse situations, allowing future pastors to minister effectively throughout their churches and communities. The professional focus of the program can help you learn to effectively lead and manage within Christian contexts, while the theological focus can prepare you for the spiritual aspects of ministry.

You will be taught competencies in the following domains:

  • Biblical foundations
  • Moral and spiritual formation
  • Historical and theological foundations
  • Christian ministry

Leadership Skills Taught in This Pastoral Program

To develop ministry leaders capable of building a strong church, courses are also offered on these subjects:

  • Relational skills
  • Ministry leadership
  • Character formation
  • Ethics
  • Applications of theology
  • Communication

Ministry Internships

Ministry internships completed within the program offer you the opportunity to connect doctrine and knowledge learned in classes with practical experience under the supervision of a seasoned gospel minister in the context of local churches and ministries. The internships take place in a university-approved ministry setting and reinforce what you are taught throughout your classes.

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Careers

Career Paths for BA in Christian Ministry Graduates

A degree in Christian ministry can prepare you for roles in ministry leadership and clergy. You can graduate ready to enter into your intended career directly or to pursue higher theological education, such as our MA in Christian Ministry. You may also choose to enter into a seminary program after acquiring the basic skills and knowledge necessary for a career focused on evangelism and discipleship.

No degree program can guarantee any particular career outcome. However, earning your bachelor’s in Christian ministry can prepare you to pursue positions in:

  • Full-time pastorship
  • Church administration
  • Global or local missionary work
  • Nonprofit organizations

Barnabas Pastoral Program

If you’re earning your BA in Christian Ministry, GCU’s Barnabas Pastoral Program is an accelerated undergraduate to Master of Divinity pathway that includes a fifth year, full-tuition scholarship. To learn more, fill out the form on this page to talk to a university counselor.

This degree can be pursued as part of GCU’s Accelerated Undergraduate to Master of Divinity pathway, allowing you to complete your undergraduate degree and a Master of Divinity in as little as five years.

Accreditation

GCU Proudly Offers Institutionally Accredited Ministry Degrees

Before choosing a school from which to earn a degree in Christian ministry, it’s important to ensure that the school is institutionally accredited. Institutional accreditation is a reflection of the quality of the school, as acknowledged by its peers. GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offering a well-rounded Christian education.

Female Christian Ministry student outside studying on laptop
FAQ

BA in Christian Ministry FAQs

Your choice of degree program can significantly affect your future career. It’s important to take the time to reflect upon your options through research focused on potential careers and degree programs. You can use the following frequently asked questions and answers to begin your decision-making process.

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Start Your Journey Today

Prepare to lead and inspire others to follow the Word of God with their whole hearts and minds within ministry settings. Apply for enrollment in GCU’s degree in Christian ministry and immerse yourself within higher education from the Christian perspective.

Apply Now

1 Learn.org. (n.d.). How Can I Become a Pastor? Learn.org. Retrieved Sept. 7, 2023.

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well.  Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clergy, retrieved on Sept. 8, 2023.

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