Associate of Ministry
This program is designed for those who wish to complete a two-year program of study that prepares them for support ministries in the local church or to those planning more education in non-ministry vocations. The courses required for the associate degree are also designed to coordinate with the requirements of the four-year program for those who choose to further their education after completing this degree.
Program Structure and Requirements
An Associate of Ministry may be earned by completing the specified courses of the first two years of the Bachelor’s program with a minimum of 60 hours. Three specializations are available and include Bible, Biblical Counseling, Church Ministries, Church Business, Youth Ministry, and Pastoral Studies.
The Bible specialization provides the student with the knowledge and study tools needed to understand, interpret, and apply Bible truth effectively. The required courses provide a basic foundation of biblical knowledge, philosophy, and values which will serve as guiding principles for life and ministry. Semester hours required in each category are as follows:
Electives – 15 credits
Total – 60 credits
An Associate of Ministry with a Biblical Counseling specialization may be earned by completing the specified courses of the first two years of the bachelor’s program with a minimum of 60 hours. See Bachelor of Ministry, Biblical Counseling Specialization for additional information about this course of study.
Electives – 11 credits
Total – 60 credits
The Church Ministries specialization is designed to prepare the student to serve as an assistant to a pastor in a role that includes overseeing the Sunday school, children’s ministries, and other educational functions of the church. Semester hours required in each category are as follows:
Electives – 11 credits
Total – 60 credits
The Associate of Church Business was developed for those who desire to serve the Lord in the office area, particularly in a Christian ministry. The objectives of this program are two-fold: 1) to provide students with a practical working knowledge of the Bible that will enable them to establish strong personal convictions and standards; and 2) to provide students with the necessary skills to become efficient, skilled office workers, placing an emphasis on important character traits such as dependability, honesty, and integrity. Semester hours required in each category are as follows:
Electives – 8 credits
Total – 60 credits
The Youth Ministries specialization prepares students for ministering to young people and their families through a variety of programs in the context of the local church. Special emphasis is given to understanding and effectively working with those who are in their teen years.
Electives – 9 credits
Total – 60 credits
The Pastoral Studies specialization is designed to prepare men for pastoral leadership. Emphasis is given to biblical studies and other skills that will be valuable to the man whom God has called to oversee the life and growth of a local church. Semester hours required in each category are as follows:
Electives – 5 credits
Total – 60 credits