Skip to content

Pastoral Ministry Concentration

Accept the call to care for and lead a community of faith.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Ministry, Pastoral Ministry Concentration

MVNU’s Christian Ministry major with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry will give you the foundation needed to provide pastoral care and leadership within a local faith community. Students in this concentration will receive both the academic and practical education needed to minister in today’s context. Foundational knowledge in the areas of Bible, theology, and church history is expanded and applied through practical theology courses in preaching, worship, leadership, and pastoral care.

MVNU faculty are not only qualified academically, but also bring ministry experience to the classroom. With a variety of backgrounds in different ministry roles, and current ministry involvement, the faculty are well prepared to apply the principles of ministry in a relevant and practical way.

Practical ministry experience is a part of the program at MVNU. What you learn in the classroom will be applied in the context of a local church or ministry. Beyond the required practical experience, many internships and service possibilities are available for additional practical experience. Christian Ministry majors from MVNU are readily able to find placement in ministry positions and are serving in those roles successfully.

Curriculum

Explore a deep and wide ministry curriculum, designed for application in a pastoral context.

Faith & learning at MVNU

At MVNU, our Christian faith is at the core of everything we do. Whether it’s opening class with prayer, diving into Scripture, or examining real-world moral and ethical challenges, we’re committed to shaping students who live out their faith with purpose. Here, you won’t just learn — you’ll be transformed.

Travel

The School of Theology and Philosophy offers annual opportunities to travel to countries significant to the Christian faith. Our most recent trips include:

2015 — Turkey and Greece, where students walked in the footsteps of Paul and visited the locations where many of the New Testament and early church events took place.

2016, 2019 — Israel and Jordan, where students walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the prophets. They saw for themselves the lands where their favorite Bible stories took place and experienced the culture and history of these important places.

2017 — Germany and Switzerland, where we walked in the footsteps of the Reformers and saw the places where Western tradition was deeply shaped.

Service Learning:
  • Belize (Tropical Biology)
  • Swaziland
  • Haiti
  • Croatia, Austria & Hungary
  • Italy
  • Spain, Portugal & France
  • Greater Columbus Area
  • Orlando
  • San Francisco
  • New Orleans
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Guyana
  • Guatemala

Scholarships

Need a little help with finances? We’ve got you covered. Explore scholarships, grants, and other resources to help you pay for your education.

There are over 30 endowed scholarships for students in the School of Christian Ministry with a call to ministry. 

A Nazarene Ministerial Scholarship Program in which Nazarene ministry students can participate during their four years.

MVNU has many endowed scholarships available for students of a wide variety of backgrounds and majors.

Careers

The Christian Ministry major with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry will provide excellent preparation for those intending to serve in local church ministry roles such as lead pastor, associate pastor, or church planter. The program also provides a good foundation for those intending to pursue the further education and training required for chaplaincy in a hospital or in the military.

CHURCHES

Serve as a lead pastor or associate pastor and shepherd the flock.

CHURCH PLANTER

Expand the reach of the gospel by planting churches across the nation and around the world.

NON-PROFIT MINISTRY

Pastor in an organizational setting that blends business with humanitarian efforts.

Church pastor

Hyson Campus Center

Hyson Campus Center MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University outside

The School of Christian Ministry is located on the second floor of Hyson Campus Center — a centralized hub that merges academics and campus life.

Hyson Campus Center MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University cafeteria

The Dining Commons are located on the first floor of Hyson Campus Center. Pioneer College Caterers, Inc. provides numerous options, including a pizza bar, sub sandwich line, salad bar, grille line, and more.

Hyson Campus Center MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University REC

The Recreational Equipment Center (REC) is located on the first floor of Hyson and offers students a variety of sporting and outdoor activity equipment that can be checked out for FREE.

Check these majors out, too

Worship Arts

Demonstrate intentional, faith-filled expressions of worship that help usher people into the presence of God.

Urban Ministry

Live out your calling to pastoral ministry to serve in the heart of the inner-city.

Religion

Explore deeper facets of your own faith as you learn more about the faith of others through a Christ-centered lens.

Christian Ministry

Provide pastoral care and leadership in a wide variety of organizational settings and ministry positions.

Site Designed and Developed by 5by5 - A Change Agency