At Hope, the Church Ministry major prepares students with skills that will serve as a foundation for pastoral ministry. Balanced between theory and practice, our students learn how to create programs that challenge the church to spiritual growth and how to serve alongside pastoral staff. The B.A. in Church Ministry provides a well-rounded degree for use in a variety of contexts, including roles in church leadership, para-church organizations or other ministry-related pursuits. Practical skills such as mission and vision development, budget management, personnel and facilities management serve to craft a strong foundation for each graduate. The program includes a strong Biblical foundation and the curriculum provides a foundation that blends theory and experience.
The B.A. in Church Ministry program is 120 units.
Students in the Church Ministry program are required to do a minimum of three semesters of internship in a local ministry setting. Additionally, students are encouraged to be involved in ministry during their degree program to help facilitate real life application.
1. To have a solid understanding of Christian scriptures, this is key to a Christian’s faith
At Hope International University we firmly believe that a healthy theology will lead to a healthy ministry. We want to help you take the right actions for the right reasons.
2. To serve the church in the highest capacity
Biblically, the church serves in very significant roles as the bride of Christ, the body of Christ, and the family of God. This means that our service to the church deserves our best representation. This is why when you receive your degree in Ministry and Biblical Studies our professors believe that you should receive the best training available in order to rightly pursue your calling.
3. To help other people serve the church and promote the priesthood of all believers
Pastors are not to do all of the ministry. At HIU we believe that we are not training up leaders to do all of the work. Instead it is our desire to build up leaders who can inspire and train all members of the church to serve God, the world, and one another.
4. Have a passion for preaching and teaching in the local church. Even if it is not in your role as a pastor
Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God! The church needs dedicated, trained, competent communicators of scripture. As someone who graduates with a ministry and biblical studies major you will have completed extensive training – both theory and practice – in the area of teaching and preaching the Word of God.
5. Have an opportunity for a life in scholarship and University/Seminary teaching
When you graduate with a degree in Ministry and Biblical Studies, you will have the opportunity to decide to continue your academic pursuits and go on to receive a master’s and a doctorate in a biblical/ministry related field. The foundation for the pursuit of advanced biblical and pastoral studies begins in Hope International University.
