Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Global Ministry
Overview
Pursue a Profession of Faithful Ministry
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Global Ministry program is designed to offer a well-rounded theological education and equip you with the basic knowledge and skills required for faithful ministry. The global ministry degree program focuses on the inward formation of Christ-like character with emphasis on the ability to minister using wisdom and sensitivity within the local church and Christian environments.
The goal of this Bachelor of Arts in Christian studies program is to provide you with the biblical and theological foundations for impactful mission work, an understanding of missions from a historical perspective and essential skills for effective communication of the gospel across cultures. Equipped with essential competencies such as critical thinking, leadership and global awareness, you may serve as an influential minister or mission leader in churches and mission agencies in North American and international settings.
In addition to standard GPA and academic requirements, global ministry students are required to affirm the Doctrinal Statement and College of Theology Covenant at an early point in their program of study. Honors courses (Survey of Historical Theology and Christian Ethics) for Honors College students and writing intensive courses (Christianity in a Global Context and Christian Ethics) for all students are also undergraduate program components.
Degree Outcomes
Prepare for Cross-Cultural Ministry
Graduates of this global ministry degree program possess a strong foundation of biblical and theological knowledge. With an emphasis in global ministry, you are prepared for cross-cultural ministry in various national and international contexts. The program is designed to help you develop spiritually and professionally, as well as apply communication and leadership skills necessary for meaningful ministry.
Coursework for this emphasis introduces you to cross-cultural studies and provides you with the skills required for a contextualized gospel ministry. You learn to exhibit a basic knowledge of biblical history, literature and themes, including the skills to apply this knowledge. Core domains covered include biblical foundations, theological and historical foundations, professional and spiritual formation, contextualization and global ministry.
What You Will Learn
Learn to Apply Biblical, Theological and Practical Knowledge
Emphasis in global ministry course topics include:
- World religions
- Evangelism and discipleship
- Anthropology for cross-cultural ministry
- Christianity and culture
Other course topics include:
- Old and New Testament survey
- Christian theology
- Biblical interpretation and application
- Christian character formation
- Ministerial communication
Career Outcomes
Make an Impact in Ministry Leadership
The global ministry degree program prepares you for a career in ministry within the church and Christian organizations or on the mission field. Along with potential careers as a ministry or mission leader, you may also have the opportunity to pursue a profession in religious activities and education at a director level, as many graduates continue onto graduate studies.
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 credits
- UNV-303, University Success: 4 credits
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 credits
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4 credits
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 credits
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits
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 credits
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
- INT-244, World Religions: 4 credits
- PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits
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, BIB-106, and BIB-107.
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. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.
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.
Campus
Online
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On-campus program disclosures (48 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.