B.S. in Christian Ministry
Program Overview
The 120-unit Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry is an online ministry degree for working adults at a top Christian university in Southern California. This program helps men and women increase their understanding of Scripture, develop practical skills for various church leadership roles, prepare for professional Christian ministry, and/or pursue graduate studies in the field. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, communication skills, understanding cultural diversity, ethical principles, and leadership strategies.
The program is designed as an online degree completion program for working adults. Typically, about three-quarters of SPS ministry students are already involved in volunteer or vocational ministry. They come to Hope International University to deepen their theological roots, strengthen their relationship with the Lord, and develop their ministry gifts.
At the core, the Christian Ministry Major is firmly grounded in God's ongoing effort to draw all nations to Himself. This divine mission gives purpose and guidance to every ministry we perform. Since 21st century ministry settings are more multicultural than ever before, the program incorporates contemporary approaches for engaging diverse groups in creative and culturally relevant ways. The Christian Ministry Major equips students to think and act "glocally"-that is, to plan and carry out their local ministries in the context of God's global purpose.
Program Purpose & Goals
Purpose: Christian ministry takes place when God brings a relevant, life-changing message to the community through His people. This program equips students for vocational ministry appropriate for their cultural contexts in the 21st century.
Goal 1: Help adult students develop knowledge of God through His Word.
Goal 2: Help adult students develop professional abilities for Christian ministry.
Goal 3: Help adult students develop a Christ-like character in relationship with God and others.
Program Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a Christian Ministry Major, students must complete the following degree components:
HDV1100 Strategies for Success - 3 units
General Education Core - 42 units
General Electives - 27 units
Christian Ministry Major - 48 units
TOTAL: 120 units
Major Course Sequence
The Christian Ministry Major guides students, step-by-step, toward higher levels of knowledge and skill, devotion and service. It consists of the following sequence of courses:
BIB1205 Biblical Foundations for Ministry* 3
BIB2130 Gospels of the Kingdom 3
BIB2320 Old Testament Themes 3
BIB3500 People of God 3
BIB2230 Interpreting Scripture 3
BIB3460 Ephesians in the Context of Pauline Theology 3
BIB2700 Servant Leadership Theory 3
BIB3600 Holy Spirit 3
BIB3705 Personal Development of the Minister 3
BIB4905 Ministry in Context [capstone] 3
CHM3710 Strategic Leadership for Ministry Organizations 3
CHM3220 Preaching and Teaching in Ministry 3
CHM3420 Ministry in Diversity 3
CHM4410 Social Issues in Context 3
CHM4700 Evangelism and Mentoring 3
CHM4860 Field Practicum: Mentored Ministry** 3
TOTAL UNITS: 48
* As noted above, students may substitute equivalent transfer courses for no more than two courses in the Major. No substitution may be made for BIB1205, which lays a foundation for the remainder of the Christian Ministry program.
** The Field Practicum runs concurrently with CHM3220 through BIB4905, which facilitates the use of field assignments in those courses.
Since the Christian Ministry Major focuses on ministering to people within their cultural context, the faculty highly recommends that students complete SSC4400 Cultural Anthropology prior to the Major Course Sequence. The faculty also recommends that Ministry students complete additional Bible and exegesis courses as General Electives.
