Why Study Ministry?
A degree in ministry will help you handle the significant responsibilities you will be trusted with in a ministry role. Earning a degree in ministry will allow you to be mentored by experienced ministers and church leaders as you develop a deep and grounded faith.
While a degree in ministry can qualify you to be a pastor, there are many more opportunities for ministry graduates. No matter what your calling is, a degree in ministry will help you grow spiritually, personally, and professionally. Learn more about the different ways you can use a ministry degree to glorify God and have a positive impact on the world.
Earn your Ministry Degree Online
PBA offers an Online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry that will equip graduates for a lifelong career in ministry. Students who have a busy schedule can benefit from asynchronous classes and flexible learning formats. Online students are able to view the course materials at any time and complete assignments on their own schedule. For each eight-week course, students will be able to attend two to three live lectures to have a chance to interact with faculty and peers.
Careers in Ministry
Here are some careers in ministry that are perfect for ministry majors.
- Pastor
Pastors are responsible for teaching their congregation through sermons. They often have a senior leadership role within the church and tend to the spiritual well-being of their community. - Director of Children’s Ministry
Children’s ministry directors build relationships with children in their congregation and community, teaching them Scripture and helping them to build a relationship with Jesus Christ through various activities. - Mission Ministry Leader
A mission ministry leader guides a congregation on how to have a missions-focused mindset. This often involves organizing trips to help people around the world learn about Jesus. - Hospital or Military Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual care to people in a non-church context, such as at a hospital or within the military. They are responsible for performing religious ceremonies and supporting people who are going through hard times. - Community Service Director
A community service director plans and implements service projects within a community. This might look like outreach services, food banks, or other social services provided by the church. - Worship Leader
Worship leaders work on the church staff and plan and lead worship services for their congregation. They are responsible for running worship practice and ensuring the worship songs are theologically appropriate for their congregation. - Christian Camp Director
Christian camp directors oversee the activity of a camp, including curriculum, finances, safety, and training of staff. - Teacher
Ministry degree graduates make great teachers. Working at a private school often requires a bachelor’s degree in any subject, while working at a public school may require you to get a teaching certification. - Author/Writer
Christian authors create written content in the form of books, research papers, or blogs. - Church Administrator
Church administrators organize and oversee the operations of a church, including its budget, inventory, and security. They may also help with maintaining all facilities. - Nonprofit Coordinator
Nonprofit coordinators make sure that programs are running smoothly and on budget. They ensure all services are properly staffed and raise funds and resources to help their community. - Professor
While becoming a professor will require a graduate degree, it can be a great career choice for ministry majors who would like to continue their education. PBA offers a PhD in Practical Theology that is perfect for aspiring professors.
What Do You Learn in a Ministry Degree?
PBA’s ministry degree prepares men and women through a mixture of biblical, historical, theological, and practical studies. Some of the topics you will study in a ministry degree include:
- Interpreting the Bible
- Exploring the Old Testament
- Exploring the New Testament
- World Religions
- Spiritual Formation
- Principles of Christian Leadership
- Church in Society
- Theology & Ethics of Ministry
- Systematic Theology
- History and Theology of Missions
- History of Christianity
- Evangelism & Apologetics
- Conflict & Crisis in Ministry
- Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness for Ministry
- Homiletics
- Education in the Church
- Ministry Connect
Career Outlook for Careers in Ministry
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for careers in religious organizations is $31.39 an hour, or $65,280 per year. Careers in ministry are projected to grow by 8% over the next 10 years.