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Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)
20 COURSES 2 YEARS | 60 CREDITS[UNITS]
ACADEMIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (AALS) is a two-year program designed to equip students to serve as effective Christian leaders in a variety of capacities, especially in Christian ministry. The AALS is a concise, well-balanced program in biblical and leadership studies ideal for students who may not be able to commit to a longer program.
It offers three concentration options: Pastoral Ministry, Christian Counseling, and Worship, Media & Creative Arts. All three have a core of Bible and theology courses, because Christian leadership involves not only having practical leadership skills, but also the biblical & theological knowledge necessary to live and to lead as a Christian.
Pastoral Ministry Concentration:
The Pastoral Ministry concentration of the AALS provides students with significant knowledge of the Bible, a sound interpretive approach to the Scriptures, and a biblically-based theology. The training and leadership skills gained in this concentration will equip students to serve and to and lead in a local church setting, a non-profit organization, a mission organization, or also in the marketplace.
INTERNSHIP
The AALS program includes an apprenticeship (Practicum/Internship) - which may be completed in a church or a marketplace setting, as well as at a non-profit, or a mission organization. This allows students to integrate their studies and to clarify their personal calling in a supervised setting, helping them to forge valuable relationships and to foster their growth as a practitioner
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.
AALS Program - 20 courses / 60 Credits[Units] Total
Pastoral Ministry
Christian Counseling
Worship, Media, & Creative Arts
AALS Main Program Segments:
Biblical / Theological Studies - 4 courses / 12 units
Core Ministry and Leadership - 4 courses / 12 units
Concentration - 5 courses / 15 units
General Education - 5 courses / 15 units
Practicum/Internship - 2 courses / 6 units
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)
Ph.D. in Organizational and Global Leadership with Missional Church Leadership
Ph.D. in Organizational and Global Leadership with Coaching and Mentoring
Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (Worship, Media & Creative Arts concentration)
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Worship, Media & Creative Arts concentration)
FULL AALS CURRICULUM
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES (PASTORAL MINISTRY CONCENTRATION) CURRICULUM
The course descriptions for the courses listed below may be found in the Academic Catalog.
Biblical/Theological Studies Core 12 Credits
BS 101 Bible Panorama (or, BS 104, NT Survey)
BS 102 Biblical Interpretation
BS 103 Old Testament Survey
BS 104 New Testament Survey
TH 211 Theological Foundations: The Doctrines of God and Scripture
TH 313 Theological Foundations: The Doctrines of Christ and Salvation
Core Ministry & Leadership Courses 12 Credits
(choose 4 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
PT 456 Basics of Church Planting
WM 305 Worship in the Life of the Church
CE 307 Christian Education
CE 319 Church Ministry to Children & Youth
Required General Education Courses 15 Credits
CH 325 Church History I
GE 105 Intercultural Communication*
GE 118 Introduction to Psychology
GE 221 Research & Academic Writing*
* Students will normally take either GE 105 or GE 221.
GE 242 Health Studies
GE 310 Digital Literacy Esentials
Alternate Gen Ed Course for GE 310:
GE 399 Introduction to World Religions
Pastoral Ministry Concentration
15 Credits (choose 5 courses)
Students in this concentration may request to substitute up to two of the following courses with courses from the Core Ministry & Leadership courses.
BS 115 Introduction to the Pentateuch
BS 204 Survey of the Gospels
BS 212 OT Historical Books
BS 217 The Acts of the Apostles
BS 314 Survey of the OT Major Prophets
BS 419 Introduction to the OT Wisdom Books
BS 427 Survey of New Testament Epistles
MS 313 Theology and Practice of Mission
TH 322 Theological Foundations: The Holy Spirit
CH 326 Church History II
Practicum / Internships 3 Credits, or 6 Credits
• Students who have little or no ministry experience need to take at least one internship course.
• They may choose to take a second internship course in place of a Ministry & Leadership course.
• Students who have years of ministry experience do not need to take an internship, and may take a different course instead.
PM 301 Practicum Internship #1
PM 302 Practicum Internship #2
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.)
Missions
Chaplaincy
Christian non-profit Organizations
Christian education
Program Learning Outcomes
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Students will have a significant knowledge of the Bible and have a meaningful introduction to Christian theology.
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Students will be able to share and explain the gospel.
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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.
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Students will be motivated to be, and have the skills to be, life-long learners.
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Students will be culturally sensitive, and will have acquired cross-cultural competence.
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Students will demonstrate meaningful practical skills in the area of their concentration (pastoral, counseling, or worship/media/arts).