What are the qualifications of a pastor?

An aspiring pastor will likely need an education related to biblical studies, ministry, theology or divinity, such as an online pastoral degree. Programs, such as the Master of Divinity degree, are also becoming a popular choice for aspiring pastors, as these programs are designed to prepare pastors for the work required of a congregation leader, while also teaching students in-depth knowledge in other relevant areas of the church.4

What should I major in to become a youth pastor?

While some churches may not require a formal education, the journey to becoming a youth pastor typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree with a focus in religious studies or youth ministry. You will also need to complete relevant experience, such as an internship or field hours. This is where you will make connections while also developing and implementing your knowledge of biblical principles, youth leadership and youth-related issues.

Ministry Degrees

Q: What can I do with a certificate in ministry?

A certificate in ministry shows that you have gained the background and knowledge needed to practice ministerial service. With this, you can consider positions that allow you to teach the Word of God to others, such as a director of religious activities and education or a religion teacher.

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Overview

Serve Others Through Ministry in Many Industries

Ministry degrees can equip you with the theological knowledge, ministerial skills and spiritual insight necessary to serve effectively in diverse religious settings. These programs can prepare you to lead congregations, provide spiritual counsel and engage in community outreach. We offer ministry degree options with specific specializations so you can tailor your education to your specific calling.

Grand Canyon University offers you the opportunity to turn your calling into a career by pursuing one of our worship arts or ministry programs. From media ministry to urban and global ministry to advanced ministerial studies, the College of Theology at GCU has a ministry degree option that can best suit your personal, spiritual and professional goals.

Programs

Types of Ministry Degrees at GCU

At GCU, we offer various levels of ministry degrees. Earn your degree and further your career whether you’re a newcomer to college or an experienced professional in the church.

Explore Ministry Specialties You Can Pursue

Earning your ministry degree at GCU allows you to focus your studies on what you’re truly passionate about. From worship arts to urban and global ministry, you can choose your path to channel your calling into a fulfilling and rewarding career in the church.

Family and Youth Ministry Degrees

If you have a passion for teaching and leading youth as well as families, GCU offers various ministry degrees to help turn that passion into a rewarding career. An undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry, can get you started on your journey of educating and inspiring the next generation of Christian leaders. If you decide to pursue a graduate degree, a Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry can help you build the foundation needed to become a youth leader or serve your local community.

Worship Arts Degree Options

Those who are looking to serve God while utilizing their creativity may consider earning their bachelor’s in worship arts degree, with options of emphases such as media ministry and worship ministry. In these programs, you will be taught a foundation of biblical knowledge while having the opportunity to apply your creative talents through media production, songwriting, arranging and other aspects of musical performance.

Degrees in Christian Ministry

If you are called to ministry, GCU offers degrees in Christian ministry at the bachelor’s and master’s levels so you can turn your calling into a career. Undergraduate students looking to pursue a career in ministry can gain a well-rounded theological education with a bachelor’s in Christian ministry. A master’s in Christian ministry program is set up for individuals looking to position themselves for potential key church leadership positions to guide and care for their church community.

Urban and Global Ministry Degree Programs

If you feel called to spread the love of Christ to people in urban settings and around the world, GCU has a program for you. Our BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Global Ministry may be ideal for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Bible through exploring faith in a cross-cultural context. An MA in Urban Ministry focuses on best practices for bringing God’s Word to fast-paced, inner-city neighborhoods and implementing it in a way that makes a difference.

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21 Matching Degrees

Area of Interest:Ministry

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry

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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

with an Emphasis in Global Ministry

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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

with an Emphasis in Worship Leadership

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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry

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Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts

with an Emphasis in Media and Production Ministry

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Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts

with an Emphasis in Worship Ministry

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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

with an Emphasis in Christian Education

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

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Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

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Master of Arts in Urban Ministry

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Ministry Bachelor’s Degrees

Ministry Master’s Degrees

Ministry Doctoral Degrees

Ministry Certificates

Careers

A ministry or worship arts degree from GCU can prepare you to explore various career opportunities. With the knowledge and experiences you can gain from a GCU ministry degree, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your love of Christ and passion for servant leadership to future churches and ministries where you may serve.

$58,920

Median annual wage for clergy as of May 2023^{(See disclaimer 2)}

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with in-depth answers to questions you may have about pursuing a career in ministry.

What degree do you need to start a ministry?

Having an educational foundation in organizational structure, leadership and development skills can be helpful when looking to start a ministry. You may consider earning your undergraduate degree, preferably in a discipline that focuses on ministry. A graduate degree such as a Master of Divinity degree can help you further build your ministerial education and leadership skills.

If you wish to pursue even further education, you may decide to obtain a degree such as a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry (Qualitative Research). This program may be ideal for those who would like to learn about the most important trends and themes in ministry, develop necessary leadership skills, and learn what starting a ministry entails, all while deepening your Christian faith.

What can I do with a certificate in ministry?

What are the qualifications of a minister?

Biblical qualifications for ministers are described in several New Testament passages including, for example, 1 Timothy 3. Additionally, the church you wish to serve will have its own specific qualifications on what you need to become a minister with that organization. However, there are some common qualifications shared by several denominations.

You will likely need an education related to biblical studies, ministry, theology or divinity, such as an online ministerial degree. Programs, such as the Master of Divinity degree, are also becoming a popular choice, as these as these programs are designed to prepare ministers for the work required of a congregation leader, while also teaching students in-depth knowledge in other relevant areas of the church.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

How do I become a religious education teacher?

There are certain steps that aspiring religious education teachers can take when pursuing this career path. These professionals should have a background in theology, religious studies or another related area. Depending on the individual school’s requirements, you may need to complete student teaching hours to meet state licensure requirements.

To teach at a college level, you may need to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctoral degree. Some candidates may also benefit from completing a graduate certificate — such as a graduate certificate in biblical foundations or ministry education — to continue learning and developing as a teaching professional.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

What is an urban ministry degree vs. global ministry degree?

A degree with a focus in urban ministry aims to provide you with the awareness, strategies and leadership ability to provide guidance to and make the teachings of the gospel accessible for the fast-paced urban community that you will minister to. In contrast, a degree in global ministry can deepen your understanding of scripture while also teaching you various leadership and communication styles in a religious context to help you make an impact and engage others in different cultural settings.

Which degrees in ministry are best?

Depending on your career goals and aspirations in the church, you can decide which ministry degree is best for you. If you’re new to ministry and religious studies and you’re looking to build a theological foundation and develop the necessary skills to become a ministry leader, a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry may be your ideal starting point. If you choose to take your education to the next level, a master’s degree in Christian ministry can provide hands-on field experience and in-depth ministry instruction to help you position yourself for potential advanced ministerial positions.

Start Your Journey Today

Grand Canyon University’s ministry degrees offer the flexibility you need while providing a quality education to help you thrive. Earn your ministry degree to take the first step toward your future career.

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The Barnabas Scholarship will be used to cover your GCU tuition expenses in your fifth year of enrollment. This scholarship has no cash value and cannot be used for food and housing.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Clergy, as of May 2023, retrieved September 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clergy, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
Suggs, A. (2023, Nov. 9). How To Become a Pastor (Your 6 Step-by-Step Guide). ChristianMinistryEDU. Retrieved January 2024.
ChristianEducation.com. (n.d.). Becoming a Religious Teacher. Retrieved January 2024.

Ministry Degrees

Serve Others Through Ministry in Many Industries

Fast-Track Your Path To Becoming a Minister

Types of Ministry Degrees at GCU