×

Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)

40 courses 4 years    |    120 Credits[Units]
Academic Program Description and Objectives

The Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration) is a 4-year program based on 120 semester units. The BALS is designed to equip students for pastoral ministry and leadership within the local church, as well as in Christian or non-Christian non-profit and mission organizations.

The program will provide students with an extensive knowledge of the Bible and the skills to communicate God's word effectively in the power of Holy Spirit.

Internship

The Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration) is a 4-year program based on 120 semester units. The BALS is designed to equip students for pastoral ministry and leadership within the local church, as well as in Christian or non-Christian non-profit and mission organizations. The program will provide students with an extensive knowledge of the Bible and the skills to communicate God's word effectively in the power of Holy Spirit.

Learning Community Setting / Cohort Option

A practical and flexible classroom setting, as well as an online cohort option, is offered in order to accommodate leaders and working adults whose responsibilities and schedules do not permit enrollment in a traditional college degree program. The cohort model allows students to engage with professors and build community, resulting in a valuable and long-lasting support network.

BALS Program - 40 courses / 120 Credits[Units] Total

Pastoral Ministry

Christian Counseling

Worship, Media, & Creative Arts

BALS Main Program Segments:

Biblical / Theological Studies - 10 courses / 30 units
Core Ministry and Leadership - 5 courses / 15 units
Concentration - 7 courses / 21 units
General Education - 10 courses / 30 units
Free Electives - 4 courses / 12 units
Practicum/Internship - 4 courses / 12 units

Full BALS Curriculum

The course descriptions for the courses listed below may be found in the Academic Catalog.

    Biblical/Theological Studies 30 Units
    BS 101 Bible Panorama (or, BS 104, NT Survey)
    BS 102 Biblical Interpretation
    BS 103 Old Testament Survey
    BS 104 New Testament Survey
    BS 115 Introduction to the Pentateuch
    BS 204 Survey of the Gospels
    BS 217 The Acts of the Apostles
    BS 427 Survey of New Testament Epistles
    TH 211 Theological Foundations:
    - The Doctrines of God and Scripture
    TH 313 Theological Foundations:
    - The Doctrines of Christ and Salvation
    TH 322 Theological Foundations: The Holy Spirit

    Ministry & Leadership Courses 15 Credits
    Students may request to substitute a Pastoral Ministry course for one of the following courses.

    PT 101 Inner Healing and Prayer
    PT 102 Essentials of Spiritual Formation*
    PT 103 Communion with God*
    * Students will normally take either PT 102 or PT 103.
    PT 219 Evangelism and Discipleship
    PT 245 Fundamentals of Christian Leadership**
    PT 301 Organizational Leadership**
    ** Students will normally take either PT 245 or PT 301.
    PT 345 Foundations of Preaching

    General Education 30 Units
    GE 105 Intercultural Communication*
    GE 118 Introduction to Psychology
    GE 127 Introduction to Philosophy
    GE 216 Introduction to Ethics
    GE 221 Research & Academic Writing*
    * Students will normally take either GE 105 or GE 221.
    GE 234 Economics
    GE 242 Health Studies
    GE 310 Digital Literacy Essentials
    GE 399 Introduction to World Religions
    HS 325 Western History I
    HS 326 Western History II

    Pastoral Ministry Concentration Electives 21 Credits (choose 7 courses)
    BS 212 OT Historical Books
    BS 314 Survey of the OT Major Prophets
    BS 419 Introduction to the OT Wisdom Books
    MS 313 Theology and Practice of Mission
    TH 409 Current Theological Issues
    TH 444 Introduction to Christian Apologetics
    TH 445 Apologetics II
    PT 456 Basics of Church Planting
    WM 305 Worship in the Life of the Church

    Free Electives 12 Credits
    Students may select free electives from their own concentration, from the other concentrations, or from other undergraduate Bible, theology & ministry courses listed in the catalog.

    Practicum / Internship 12 Credits
    PM 301 Practicum Internship #1
    PM 302 Practicum Internship #2
    PM 403 Practicum Internship #3
    PM 404 Practicum Internship #4

CAREERS

The course curriculum develops students' core competencies for success in ministry and leadership. Possible careers include:
  • Ministry leadership (youth pastor, small group leader, Bible teacher, etc.)
  • Preaching or Bible teaching ministry in a church.
  • Eventual senior pastor positions
  • Missions
  • Chaplaincy
  • Christian non-profit Organizations
  • Christian education
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will have a significant knowledge of the Bible and have a meaningful introduction to Christian theology.
Students will be able to share and explain the gospel.
Students will understand the importance of personal spiritual disciplines & growth, as well as the importance of Christian character, and will be motivated to actively participate in Christian service or ministry.
Students will be motivated to be, and have the skills to be, life-long learners.
Students will be culturally sensitive, and will have acquired cross-cultural competence.
Students will demonstrate meaningful practical skills in the area of their concentration (pastoral, counseling, or worship/media/arts).