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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.
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.
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:
To develop ministry leaders capable of building a strong church, courses are also offered on these subjects:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
There is no single, universal pathway toward pursuing a career in ministry, and there are no universal requirements for aspiring pastors or other church leaders. Each church will generally establish its own hiring preferences. However, one way to prepare for a career in ministry is to become more active in your current church.
Look for volunteer opportunities and church groups to participate in and discuss your career aspirations with your pastor and other church leaders. When you’re getting ready to head off to college, consider earning a relevant degree, such as a BA in Christian Ministry, which you might follow with earning a Master of Divinity (MDiv). Note that not all churches require aspiring pastors to earn a graduate degree, but larger churches do tend to.1
There are many types of faith-related degrees you could earn. One example is a BA in Christian Ministry. Another possibility is a BA in Christian Studies, perhaps with a concentration in an area of focus, such as worship leadership or global ministry. If your interests lie in multimedia production within church settings, you might consider pursuing a BA in Worship Arts with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry instead. Look for Christian schools that offer college education rooted in the Bible, such as GCU, to explore your degree options.
There are no universal requirements to become a pastor. Different denominations and individual churches may establish their own degree requirements. However, it’s commonplace for aspiring pastors to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of focus, such as a degree in Christian ministry. Some aspiring pastors may choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree at divinity school, but this may not be a strict requirement at all churches.1
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of new jobs created for all types of clergy to be 1,500 nationwide from 2022 through 2032. However, the importance of adding educated members of the clergy into the church remains unchanged. Churches need pastors and church leaders to deliver and explain the Word of God to us. As of 2022, the total employment for all types of clergy throughout the U.S. was 266,700.2
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.
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.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
