Curriculum for Bachelor in Pastoral Ministry

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Pastoral Ministry: Shepherding like King Jesus

This curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced pastoral ministry that reflects the life and teachings of Jesus. It aims to develop pastors who shepherd like Jesus, set an example like Jesus, care like Jesus, protect like Jesus, provide like Jesus, are led and filled by the Holy Spirit like Jesus, are empowered like Jesus, and sacrifice like Jesus. The end goal is to transform all chosen shepherds into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd. This program meets or exceeds the standards of accredited schools in America.

General Education Requirements (40-45 credit hours):

1. English Composition and Literature (9 credit hours):
   • ENG 201: Advanced English Composition I (3 credit hours)
   • ENG 202: Advanced English Composition II (3 credit hours)
   • ENG 203: Introduction to World Literature (3 credit hours)
2. Mathematics (3-6 credit hours):
   • MAT 201: College Algebra or MAT 202: Introduction to Statistics (3 credit hours)
   • An additional mathematics course (optional, 3 credit hours)
3. Natural Sciences (6-8 credit hours):
   • BIO 201: General Biology with Lab (4 credit hours)
   • Additional science course with lab (e.g., CHM 201: General Chemistry) (3-4 credit hours)
4. Social Sciences (9 credit hours):
   • PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)
   • SOC 201: Introduction to Sociology (3 credit hours)
   • ANT 201: Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours)
5. Humanities (9 credit hours):
   • HIS 201: World History I (3 credit hours)
   • PHI 201: Introduction to Philosophy (3 credit hours)
   • ART 201: Introduction to Fine Arts or MUS 201: Introduction to Music (3 credit hours)
6. Communication (3 credit hours):
   • COM 201: Advanced Public Speaking (3 credit hours)
7. Foreign Language (6-8 credit hours):
   • SPN 201: Intermediate Spanish I and SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish II (3-4 credit hours each) or another language option

Core Biblical Studies Requirements (45 credit hours):

1. Foundations of Biblical Studies (12 credit hours):
   • BIB 301: Introduction to the Old Testament (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 302: Introduction to the New Testament (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 303: Hermeneutics: Principles of Biblical Interpretation (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 304: Biblical Ethics and Christian Living (3 credit hours)
2. Life and Teachings of Jesus (12 credit hours):
   • BIB 311: The Life and Ministry of Jesus (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 312: Parables and Teachings of Jesus (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 313: The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 314: The Kingdom of God in the Teachings of Jesus (3 credit hours)
3. Pastoral Ministry and Leadership (15 credit hours):
   • MIN 321: Advanced Pastoral Ministry (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 322: Servant Leadership in Ministry (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 323: Principles of Effective Shepherding (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 324: Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credit hours)
   • MIN 325: Church Administration and Management (3 credit hours)
4. The Holy Spirit and Empowerment (6 credit hours):
   • BIB 331: The Holy Spirit in the New Testament (3 credit hours)
   • BIB 332: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry (3 credit hours)

Practical Ministry Electives (12 credit hours):

Students can choose from the following electives to gain practical ministry skills:

1. Worship and Music Ministry (3 credit hours):
   • WOR 301: Foundations of Worship Ministry (3 credit hours)
2. Youth and Children’s Ministry (3 credit hours):
   • MIN 401: Introduction to Youth and Children’s Ministry (3 credit hours)
3. Missions and Outreach (3 credit hours):
   • MIS 301: Introduction to Missions and Outreach (3 credit hours)
4. Christian Education (3 credit hours):
   • EDU 301: Principles of Christian Education (3 credit hours)
5. Christian Counseling (3 credit hours):
   • MIN 402: Introduction to Christian Counseling (3 credit hours)

Capstone Project (3 credit hours):

1. Capstone in Pastoral Ministry (3 credit hours):
   • MIN 499: Integrative Capstone Project (3 credit hours)
   • This course requires students to integrate their learning into a comprehensive project focused on shepherding like Jesus, demonstrating practical application and ministry skills.

Total Credit Hours: 120-125

This curriculum provides a robust foundation in general education while focusing deeply on pastoral ministry, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus. It prepares students to shepherd, set an example, care, protect, provide, be led and filled by the Holy Spirit, be empowered, and sacrifice like Jesus in order to shepherd the churches as well as the universal Church of Jesus. The end goal is to transform all chosen shepherds into the full image of Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd.