At Hope, Children and Family Ministry students learn how to create programs that nurture and challenge children to spiritual growth and how to serve under or alongside church pastoral staff. Practical skills such as mission and vision development, budget management, empowering parents, facilities management, and developing a team serve to craft a strong foundation for each graduate.
Coupled with a Bible-based curriculum, this program teaches students to appreciate cultural, technological, psychosocial, and developmental trends that will affect their work regardless of their setting. Graduates will have a solid foundation for ministry in the local church, para-church ministries, as well as preparation for graduate studies in a variety of theological and ministry related fields.
The B.A. in Children and Family Ministry program is 126 units.
Students in the Children and Family Ministry major are required to do a minimum of three semesters of internship in a children or family ministry setting. There are wonderful opportunities to work with and network with a variety of professionals in the field of children or family ministry and numerous internship opportunities available in local church settings. Students are encouraged to be involved in ministry during their degree program to help facilitate real life application.
1. Experience flexibility in ministry
Getting a degree in Children and Family Ministry prepares a student for the potential to lead different areas of the church, from children’s ministry to high school ministry. Graduates will be able to adapt and teach in a fast paced environment and know how to address a variety of ages and levels of learning.
2. Work to make a difference
You will have the opportunity to develop the next generation to be spiritually minded and walk with them throughout their development. The influence created through your work will not just span during the period of time you interact with your ministry, but for the rest of your life.
3. Thrive with program development
Ministry is more than just teaching the Bible. Many ministries will evolve and develop over time, requiring pastors to develop programs that address the needs of the church. These needs include staffing, volunteer organization, budgeting, and curriculum development needs. In this degree program you will learn how to address the needs of the church program-wise.
4. Reach new people
Children’s ministry is an important part of the church life-blood as it consistently draws in new parents who may have only heard about your church because of the children’s ministry. Through the work in Children and Family Ministry you will learn how to spread the Gospel to families as a whole.
5. Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation begins with knowing the Word. Through courses offered at HIU, you will be able to experience an in depth exploration of the Bible. This exploration will help you to guide the spiritual formation for children and families at all levels. You will also gain the tools and resources needed to continue to develop in your faith and knowledge throughout the rest of your life.
