Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Ministry
Pursue Your Calling
For those with a heart for pastoral leadership, Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry is a foundation upon which to build a career in vocational ministry. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for faithful Christian ministry.
Offered by the College of Theology, the degree equips students for work in fields such as pastoral ministry, administrative ministry, church-based work, missions, Christian nonprofit services or other ministry-focused work. Prepare yourself to answer the call that God has placed upon your life.
Grow in Faith and Knowledge
GCU’s BA in Christian Ministry provides students with a robust and well-rounded theological education. Program courses focus on both professional and personal formation, allowing students to clarify their calling and find their own pastoral identity. The curriculum teaches students to apply biblical truths both personally and practically in their lives and ministries.
Students gain competency in the following domains:
- Biblical foundations
- Moral and spiritual formation
- Historical and theological foundations
- Christian 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 prepares students to effectively lead and manage within Christian contexts, while the theological focus prepares them for spiritual aspects of ministry.
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 completed within the program offer students 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 internship takes place in a university-approved ministry setting, and reinforces what students learn throughout their classes.
Prepare for a Future in Ministry
A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry degree can prepare you for roles in ministry leadership. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter into their career directly or to pursue higher theological education, such as our MA in Christian Ministry. Students can confidently enter into a seminary program after acquiring the basic skills and knowledge necessary for a career focused on evangelism and discipleship.
Earning your Christian ministry degree can prepare you for positions in:
- Full-time pastorship
- Church administration
- Global or local missionary work
- Nonprofit organizations
This degree can be pursued as part of GCU’s Accelerated Undergraduate to Master of Divinity pathway, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree and a Master of Divinity in as little as five years. The program additionally qualifies for the Barnabas Pastoral Program, a program meant to develop students devoted to local church ministry, and includes a fifth year, full-tuition scholarship.
Barnabas Pastoral Program
If you’re earning your BA in Christian Ministry, you’re likely wondering how to become a pastor. 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, contact a representative today.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab explores pastoral self-reflection, anchoring one’s identity in Christ, and preserving one's identity as roles change and responsibilities increase in life and ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This lab explores practical application of spiritual formation techniques necessary to maintain a vibrant relationship with Christ and others within the context of ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisites: ENG-105 and BIB-106.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This lab explores the importance of relationships and associated skills, such as listening, conversation, hospitality, and conflict resolution for life and ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.
Course Description
This lab focuses on discovering, developing, and practicing skills for leading in ministry. Special attention is given to the shepherding aspects of pastoral ministry. This lab is designed to be an interactive, community experience which is not available via independent study.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-107 and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107 or BIB-100.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.
Course Description
This course consists of an internship experience in an approved ministry setting. The course includes reinforcement of all program competencies, practical experiences, academic journaling, as well as a field experience log, and culminating reflection assignment. Students should begin the internship application process after completion of 80 credit hours in the program. Practicum/field experience hours: 180.
Course Description
This course focuses on the practical ministry application of theological principles. Special attention is given to theological reflection in respect to methodology, apologetics, ethics, and the mission of the church.
Course Description
This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: BIB-106, BIB-107, and BIB-355.
Course Description
This course examines pastoral leadership skills needed to effectively navigate ministry. Special attention is given to pastoral identity, life management, shepherding and discipling, and the biblical qualifications for pastoral/ministerial leadership.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.