What Is a Global Ministry Bachelor of Arts Program?
Faith leaders who pursue global ministry initiatives strive to bring the word of God and the love of Christ to people around the world. You can nurture your faith while preparing for a career in global ministry at Grand Canyon University. The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Global Ministry degree is an intensive survey of Christian doctrines, theological knowledge and cross-cultural ministry within national and international contexts.
The global ministry degree is offered by the College of Theology to students who feel called to join the next generation of contemporary Christian leaders around the world. Deepen your understanding of biblical truths and Christian history while exploring leadership styles and communication strategies. Students pursuing this Christian ministry degree are expected to affirm the Doctrinal Statement and College of Theology Covenant early on in their studies.
Learn to Apply Biblical, Theological and Practical Knowledge With a BA in Christian Studies – Global Ministry Degree
Christian studies students at GCU immerse themselves in a supportive, welcoming campus environment. Our private Christian university is an inclusive place that welcomes all who desire to know and love God.
During your studies, you will develop a firm foundation of biblical and theological knowledge, and explore its practical, modern applications. You will develop your own Christ-like character as you consider impactful ways to minister to others. Cross-cultural studies are a major component of this academic program. Some of the courses included in the Christian studies - global ministry BA degree include:
- Anthropology for Cross-Cultural Ministry
- Christianity in a Global Context
- Evangelism and Discipleship
- World Religions
- Christianity and Culture
Students will develop a keen understanding of the principles of anthropology within the context of missiology. They will learn how to analyze and engage groups of people in different cultural contexts. There is a focus on contemporary issues in global ministry, including recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies and modern trends in global Christianity. Other core competencies of this degree program include the following:
- The principles and methods for faithfully ministering to people of diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on North American cultural engagement
- The historical background, religious texts, beliefs and current practices of the major contemporary religions, including Abrahamic and Eastern religions
- The major developments in the history of Christianity that influenced Christian doctrine
- The basic principles of biblical hermeneutics and their application to contemporary ethical issues
Graduates will be prepared to thoughtfully and actively listen to people of diverse backgrounds and faiths, and to tailor an effective gospel presentation in response.
Prepare for Cross-Cultural Ministry
With a focus on cultural awareness and gospel ministry, this degree prepares students to become effective servant leaders at home and abroad. Graduates may choose to pursue work as foreign missionaries, where they may spread the love of Christ and the word of God to in-need communities around the world. Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include:
- Youth pastor
- Religious activities director
- Religious studies leader
- Nonprofit/humanitarian worker
- Volunteer coordinator
Some graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies – global ministry degree may elect to further their studies to enhance their career qualifications and open the door to high-level leadership positions. Grand Canyon Theological Seminary offers a number of master’s and doctoral degree programs for interested Christian leaders.
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, crosscultural 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
Program 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 course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.
Course Description
This course is a study of the major contemporary religions of the world including Abrahamic religions, Eastern religions, and other religions. The course covers religious texts, historical background, and current beliefs and practices. Emphasis is given to the ideological foundations of a Christian worldview, a comparison of worldviews, and the application of worldviews within a global society.
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 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 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 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 prepares students to listen carefully to a person of another religion or worldview in order to effectively tailor a gospel presentation that accurately presents the claims of Christ and respectfully considers the hearer. For individuals who are responsive to the gospel, it provides sound practices for continuing and deepening the new believer’s relationship with Jesus.
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.
Course Description
This writing intensive course is a survey of global Christianity that examines the mission and purposes of God and His people among the nations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies, and contemporary trends in global Christianity. Prerequisite: HTH-201.
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 principles of anthropology within the context of missiology for the purpose of developing a tool kit that will enable students to analyze and engage people groups living within various cultural contexts. Attention is given to multiple dimensions of human culture as well as issues related to social justice and biblical mercy. Prerequisite: INT-244.
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 surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments, and movements. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
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 examines principles and methods for faithfully ministering within the Late Modern context in a way that is meaningful to people from diverse backgrounds. Attention is given to the influence of Christianity on culture and vice versa during the 20th and 21st centuries as well as issues related to social justice and biblical mercy. Emphasis is placed on North American cultural engagement with apologetic concern and sensitivity to contemporary values.
Program Locations
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.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Online and Evening program disclosures (4 years) On-campus program disclosures (4 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.