
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 - 15 Credits
Ministry & Leadership Courses - 12 Credits
General Education - 15 Credits
Internships - 3 Credits, or 6 Credits
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SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)
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Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Pastoral Ministry concentration)
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Ph.D. in Organizational and Global Leadership with Missional Church Leadership
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Ph.D. in Organizational and Global Leadership with Coaching and Mentoring
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Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership
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Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies (Worship, Media & Creative Arts concentration)
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Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies (Worship, Media & Creative Arts concentration)
FULL AALS CURRICULUM
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES (PASTORAL MINISTRY CONCENTRATION) CURRICULUM

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).