Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry: Pastoral Ministry

SBU's Pastoral Ministry concentration within the Christian Ministry degree will prepare you to lead and serve as a pastor in a local church or in other ministry leadership roles. Coursework in Biblical studies, evangelism, and preaching, combined with a ministry apprenticeship, will give you both the academic background and practical skill set needed either to enter the pastoral ministry immediately after graduation or to complete a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry.

Many pastoral ministry students choose to add another major or minor in another academic discipline, such as psychology, communication, English, or business. Adding another area of study will enhance your skill set for ministry and equip you for bi-vocational ministry roles.

The SBU Advantage

• As a pastoral ministry student at SBU, you will take Advanced Public Speaking and two required preaching classes. SBU is the only undergraduate pastoral ministry program out of 100+ CCCU schools to require advanced communication courses, preparing you with vital skills to effectively serve in pastoral ministry.
• SBU pastoral ministry students have opportunities each semester to practice preaching at local churches during Ministry Education days.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of academic study at undergraduate and graduate levels throughout four physical campuses in Bolivar, Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., plus an online campus.

Founded in 1878, Southwest Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with:

• More than 100 areas of academic study on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels;
• Faculty who are passionate about you, your education, and your future success;
• Global service and mission projects to share your faith and develop as a servant leader;
• Vibrant campus life within a close-knit community for getting involved and developing lifelong friendships; and
• Five campuses throughout the southwest and south central Missouri. The 152-acre main campus is in Bolivar, Mo., population 10,300 about 25 minutes north of Springfield, Mo. Additional campuses are in Mountain View, Salem, and Springfield, Mo., and Online.

Liberal arts schools provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is offered across the curriculum with coursework in the arts, sciences, and humanities, with the goal of preparing students for life. Depth is provided through the major, which focuses on preparation for work in a specific field. In a Christian liberal arts education, the Christian lens is the primary lens for learning. Breadth and depth in a Christian liberal arts setting also mean a focus on critical thinking so that non-Christian perspectives are examined (but not endorsed) and students are prepared to serve in secular careers and in service to Christ.