Are you called to the clergy? It’s beneficial for ministers to obtain a Bachelor’s in biblical studies. An online degree in biblical studies familiarizes you with the word of God. It also helps you build a foundation for evangelism and ministering in many ways and to many populations. With this type of education, you’ll experience your own spiritual growth while building the knowledge and skills you need to shepherd others in their spiritual formation.
What is a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies Degree Online?
Having the desire to be a Christian minister is only the first step to becoming a church leader. Churches frequently seek ministers and preachers who have at least an undergraduate degree in ministry or Bible studies.
Bible colleges and universities offer online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in this field. There are programs specifically designed to prepare you to become a Christian counselor or educator, serve in various church ministries, or become lay ministers or pastors. Cheap Bible colleges online help you get your degree without braking the bank, either.
Frequently, schools offer undergraduate degrees in the ministry with a concentration in Bible studies. Regardless of the structure of the online biblical studies degree, you’ll take courses on topics such as:
- The Old Testament
- The New Testament
- Biblical Interpretation
- Teaching the Bible
- Christian Doctrine
It’s important to note that the specific doctrines you learn depend partly on the denomination of the school you attend.
Many online schools offering biblical studies degrees also require you to complete a capstone project. These projects occur at or near the end of your undergraduate studies and serve as a means of putting what you’ve learned into practice. Think of it as a culminating experience that brings together all of your studies of the Bible over the course of your degree program.
Usually, capstone projects include various facets, including:
- An investigation phase, in which you conduct research on a central problem or question.
- A development phase, during which you consider various ideas or solutions to the problem or question.
- An evaluation stage, during which you receive feedback and seek new data to analyze
- A presentation stage, in which you present the completed project to the capstone committee
Capstone projects are useful in many areas of inquiry, but they are especially helpful in biblical studies. There is a lot of information to digest and many methods of teaching the Bible to learn. A capstone project helps bring all of them together to show that you have the competence to move to the next step, be that a career or continuing education.
What is Required For a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies?
There’s more to an online degree in biblical studies than studying the Bible. Instead, an undergraduate degree in this field gives you a foundational advantage in understanding and communicating Christian doctrines, teaching about the lives of Jesus, Paul, Moses, and others, and examining theological ideologies.
In addition to the biblically-focused topics you’ll study as outlined in the previous section, you’ll also explore various liberal arts and science subjects as part of your studies.
For example, you’ll take courses in the arts and humanities, like creative arts and philosophy. A degree in biblical studies online also requires that you study math, science, and social sciences. Communication courses are common in a biblical studies online degree as well, since many students that pursue this degree want to become ministers.
Most affordable bible colleges online require you to complete around 120 semester credit hours of study. This works out to approximately four years of full-time study.
Online students like you should consider one of the Best Online Master’s in Divinity or the Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies if you want to continue your biblical education.
How Much Can You Earn With A Bachelor’s in Bible Studies?
Aside from television ministers, most members of the clergy don’t make a great deal of money ministering to the public and teaching Christianity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that mean salaries range from $38,800 (25th percentile) to $63,560 (75th percentile) for clergy. The income numbers are roughly similar for church directors of music, youth ministry, and education.
You should also consider the value of benefits beyond your base salary. The compensation package might also include:
- Paid leave
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Retirement
Of course, not all churches nor church-affiliated organizations can offer much in terms of benefits. That being the case, the type and value of the benefits in the compensation package vary from one organization to the next.
It’s predicted that the occupations for clergy will grow by about 4% through 2031, which is about average for most occupations. Though growth in this field isn’t likely to be robust, clergy-related jobs are a very good bet. Religion has been part of human existence for thousands of years, and it stands to reason that it will continue to be for a large part of the population. With demand for religious services continuing, there’s a good chance you can find employment after you graduate.
What are the Most Affordable Bible Colleges Online?
Higher education isn’t cheap, but the list below includes some of the most affordable online Bible colleges. The programs are sorted by the Average Net Price for attending the school. Net price factors in tuition, fees, and financial aid.
OSR displays six data points for each school: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide factors, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific factors, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department. However, because this is a ranking based on affordability, these data points are not factored into the score.
These six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
If price is a determining factor in your college decision, cross-check this ranking with OSR’s Best Online Bible Studies Degrees.
Let’s explore cheap online Bible colleges you might consider for your undergraduate education.
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Luther Rice College & Seminary
20-Year ROI$892,096
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- $352 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Three minors are available
School Wide
Program Level
Located in Lithonia, Georgia, Luther Rice College and Seminary is a nonprofit school and one of the top low cost accredited online Bible colleges with low tuition rates to save you money.
This college offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree with a major in Biblical Studies. You can concentrate your studies with one of three minors: Biblical counseling, Christian Worldview, or Christian ministry. The degree is 100 percent online, though you can take a combination of online courses and in-person classes if you wish.
Other features include:
- Financial aid packages for qualifying students
- Military funding for eligible students
- Student success support with career placement services
Luther Rice is also a regionally-accredited institution through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). If you move to another school, your transfer credits are more likely to apply since this is an accredited college.
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Calvary University
20-Year ROI$733,924
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,276(in state) / $10,276(out of state)
- $430 per credit hour
- 126 credit hours
- Choose from eight concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
If you search for “online degree biblical studies,” Calvary University will be a prime choice. This school began providing accredited degrees in 1932. Today, it several online degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Science Bible & Theology
- Bachelor of Arts in Bible & Theology
- Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling
- Bachelor of Science in Ministry Studies
Other options include Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Pastoral Ministry (B.A. or B.S.).
You’ll take general education and biblical education courses prior to entering your area of concentration. Regardless of which area you choose, you can expect your studies to take four years to complete.
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Heritage Christian University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,152(in state) / $10,152(out of state)
- $423 per credit hour
- 128 credit hours
- 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio
School Wide
Program Level
Heritage Christian University is in Florence, Alabama. The university has a BA in Biblical Studies intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of biblical studies in today’s world.
You’ll take 44 hours of general education courses before tackling courses in theology and professional studies. Twenty-seven credits in professional studies are also required. As part of the degree, you must participate in field experiences. Since there are more than 100 congregations within a 75-mile radius, there are many churches at which you can complete these field studies.
Financial aid of up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition is available for qualified students.
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The Baptist College of Florida
20-Year ROI$637,836
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,200(in state) / $10,200(out of state)
- $385 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Ongoing academic advising is available
School Wide
Program Level
The Baptist College of Florida has been offering religious education since 1943. Included in their rich history and tradition of quality education is a BA in Christian Studies. This program delves into topics related to:
- Evangelism
- Missionary work
- Pastoral ministry
- Biblical interpretation
- Christian doctrine
You’ll also take general education courses in humanities, science and mathematics, and social/behavioral sciences to round out your education.
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Clear Creek Baptist Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,440(in state) / $9,440(out of state)
- $300 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- 100 percent online
Schoolwide Rankings
This Kentucky Bible College offers a BA in Ministry degree that prepares you for the next step in your journey. Besides providing ministerial preparation, this degree provides a foundation for graduate studies, as well.
Major coursework is divided between biblical and theological studies and ministry studies. Likewise, there are three areas of concentration you can pursue:
- Traditional
- Worship and Music
- Church Planting
If you’re curious about the learning environment, you can take the online education experience for a test drive by contacting the school.
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Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,280(in state) / $7,280(out of state)
- $365 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Multiple concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
Offered through Spurgeon College, this is a BA in Biblical Studies is a 120-credit program. There are specialty options in various areas, including:
- Worship Ministries
- Business
- Biblical Counseling
- Theology
- Christian Ministry
The program’s purpose is to enhance your ability to interpret and communicate biblical truth. Upon completing your coursework in biblical studies, you’re prepared to continue your graduate school education or seek employment in various ministries.
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Hobe Sound Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,750(in state) / $5,750(out of state)
- $225 per credit hour
- 129 credit hours
- 6 minors offered in degree
School Wide
Program Level
At Hobe Sound Bible College, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Ministerial Studies. In addition to your for-credit studies, you’re also required to participate in non-credit learning experiences, including:
- Monthly Ministerial Organization meetings
- Workshops and conventions
- Individual ministry assignments
You can customize your learning experience by choosing a minor to go with your BA in Ministerial Studies. Your options include:
- Counseling
- Ministerial Studies
- Pastoral Ministries
- Intercultural Studies
- Music
- Teacher Education
Admission requires that you take the SAT or ACT and achieve a satisfactory score.
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Gods Bible School and College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,040(in state) / $7,040(out of state)
- $250 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Good preparation for graduate school
School Wide
Program Level
This online BA in Biblical and Theological Studies focuses on the essentials of classical Christian theology. Courses include studies in:
- Old Testament Literature
- New Testament Literature
- Church History
- Principles of Christian Life
- Christian Beliefs
In addition to these biblical-focused courses, you must also complete 36-42 credits of general education classes. Your studies will likely take four years to complete.
God’s Bible College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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Central Christian College of the Bible
20-Year ROI$590,889
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,500(in state) / $7,500(out of state)
- $295 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- 8-week courses
School Wide
Program Level
If your goal is to enter the seminary, this may be a good school for you to explore. There are two online bachelor’s degree options: religious studies and biblical ministry. In both cases, you might take courses in:
- Apologetics
- History of Israel
- Life of Christ
- Biblical Theology
If you’re not ready for a four-year degree yet, this college also offers an Associate of Biblical Studies that takes two years to complete. There are multiple certificate programs available as well.
Each course you take has no set online meeting times. Instead, you complete your work according to work deadlines established by your professors.
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Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,200(in state) / $11,200(out of state)
- $375 per credit hour
- 128 Credit hours
- 4 areas of concentration available
School Wide
Program Level
Shasta Bible College has two distinct online bachelor’s degree programs in biblical studies, with four areas of concentration available:
- Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Professional Studies: Biblical Counseling
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Professional Studies: Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Professional Studies: Education
Regardless of your chosen concentration, courses are 15 weeks long and run concurrently with on-campus courses. A traditional finals week is factored in at the end of each semester. Tuition for online studies is also the same as on-campus courses at $375 per credit.
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Virginia Baptist College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,280(in state) / $5,280(out of state)
- $299 per credit hour
- 120 Credit hours
- Dual enrollment for high school juniors and seniors option
School Wide
Program Level
Veritas Baptist College has five tracks for their Bachelor of Ministry degree. You can choose from:
- Church Ministries
- Bible
- Pastoral Studies
- Youth Ministry
- Church Business
Having so many choices allows you to tailor your education to your specific desires for serving God.
In addition to biblical studies courses, you’ll also earn 36 credit hours in general education courses. This includes classes in courses in science, math, and English. There are also courses in history, science, and church history.
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Grace Bible College
20-Year ROI$567,107
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,969(in state) / $10,969(out of state)
- $450 per credit hour
- Dual degree program
- No residency requirement
School Wide
Program Level
If you want to enter the ministry, Grace Christian University’s online 4+1 program gives you the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in five years.
After earning your undergraduate degree, you’ll complete 36 credit hours of graduate work to earn a Master of Ministry degree. Having a master’s degree gives you all the more knowledge and skills to successfully minister the gospel.
Major subjects covered include:
- Contemporary Theology Perspectives
- Ministry and Culture
- Communicating the Transformation
- Dynamics of Counseling
- Studies in Dispensational Theology
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Amridge University
20-Year ROI$797,628
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- $375 per credit hour
- 128 Credit hours
- Transfer in up to 88 credits
School Wide
Program Level
You can get a BS in Ministry/Bible through Ambridge University’s College of General Studies and do so completely online.
You’ll begin with general education courses such as communications, humanities, and social sciences. Then you’ll focus on the required courses for the major, which include:
- Life and Teachings of Christ
- Life and Work of a Minister
- Leadership for Christian Service
- Management Intervention
- Introduction and Survey of the New Testament
Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills needed to enter the ministry. This degree also prepares you for advanced studies in the ministry, which you can pursue in a graduate program at Amridge University.
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Bethesda University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,095(in state) / $8,095(out of state)
- $195.71 per credit hour
- 126 credit hours
- Pentacostal training
School Wide
Program Level
Founded in 1976, Bethesda University has an online BA in Religion that prepares you for a future in the ministry. Coursework focuses on ethics and doctrines, biblical interpretation methods, and biblical history. Additional courses include:
- Pneumatology
- Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ
- Pauline Letters
- Teaching Methods
- Christian Education of Youth
With these studies under your belt, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and its application in the modern world.
You can use this degree to pursue a number of employment options. You can enter the ministry for children and youth. You can also provide Christian Counseling. Another option is to become a teacher at a Christian school.
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Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,750(in state) / $9,750(out of state)
- $443.75 per credit hour
- 128 credit hours
- 3 concentration options
School Wide
Program Level
This is a BA in Biblical Studies with concentrations in Bible, Biblical Languages, and Theology.
Following basic education studies, you’ll complete major requirement courses such as:
- New Testament Survey
- Systematic Theology
- Basic Christian Ethics
- Sin and Salvation
- Hermeneutics
You’ll take these and other required courses regardless of which concentration you select.
The knowledge and skills you gain in this program allow you to work in church teaching settings or as a missionary.
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Ozark Christian College
20-Year ROI$604,639
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,840(in state) / $11,840(out of state)
- $443 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Same courses as on-campus degree
School Wide
Program Level
Ozark Christian College is in America’s heartland in Joplin, Missouri. But with this online bachelor’s degree in biblical studies, you can attend Ozark from anywhere in the world.
This program requires 120 semester credit hours to graduate. In addition to general education courses, you’ll also take biblical and religious classes, such as:
- Church History
- Church Leadership
- Strategies for Christian Discipleship
- Romans
- History and Literature of Ancient Romans
There’s also a field experience component with this degree that requires you to serve with a ministry on a weekly basis.
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Regent University
20-Year ROI$827,287
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,650(in state) / $16,650(out of state)
- $395 per credit hour
- 120+ credit hours
- Military friendly
School Wide
Program Level
This Virginia university offers an online BA in Biblical and Theological Studies that prepares you for ministry work, the seminary, or graduate studies.
Coursework covers a wide range of Biblical studies, including:
- Church History
- Systematic Theology
- Psalms and Wisdom Literature
- Old Testament Historical Books
- The Gospels
No SAT or ACT score is required for admission. Simply submit a completed application for admission, a completed FAFSA, and unofficial transcripts.
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Mid-Atlantic Christian University
20-Year ROI$607,997
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,080(in state) / $14,080(out of state)
- $500 per credit hour
- 124-136 credit hours
- BA or BS available
School Wide
Program Level
Mid-Atlantic Christian University has a program that prepares you for the ministry in its BA or BS in Ministry. The Bachelor of Arts option is 136 credits while the Bachelor of Science requires 124 credits to graduate. The difference is that BA students must take 12 credit hours of languages.
Both tracks feature a detailed education in ministerial and biblical studies, including courses in:
- Ministry Seminar
- Perspectives on World Christian Movement
- Strategic Leadership in Ministry
You’ll also take an introduction to counseling course, and can choose from electives that include preaching, family ministry, and music.
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Truett McConnell University
20-Year ROI$645,014
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,570(in state) / $18,570(out of state)
- $396 per credit hour
- 120+ credit hours
- 100% of freshmen receive financial aid
School Wide
Program Level
Located in Cleveland, Georgia, Truett McConnell University offers an online BA in Christian Studies. This degree program includes four specialization options:
- Biblical and Theological Studies
- Missions
- Student Ministry
- Women’s Studies
In each concentration, you’ll study theology, biblical text, and ministerial topics. You’ll also learn advanced language skills.
If you’re a high school student, the dual enrollment option at Truett McConnell might be an attractive way to get a head start on your college education.
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Lee University
20-Year ROI$677,848
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,080(in state) / $16,080(out of state)
- $782.08 per credit
- 120 credit hours
- One of more than a dozen undergraduate programs
School Wide
Program Level
Lee University’s undergraduate program in Bible and Theology requires 120 credits to graduate. All credits are earned 100 percent online.
The degree requires 18 credits of religion core courses. This includes:
- Introduction to Christian Ethics
- Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Methods of Bible Study
There’s also a course in Systematic Theology.
Additionally, you will complete:
- 42 credit hours of general education courses
- 36 credit hours of specialty requirements
- 15 credit hours of collateral courses
- 9 credit hours of electives.
Within this theoretical and practical framework, you’ll learn how to minister to people in the church and around the world.
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Trinity Bible College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,320(in state) / $16,320(out of state)
- $631 per credit hour
- 120+ credit hours
- 4+1 programs available
School Wide
Program Level
Trinity Bible College and Graduate school offers an online BA in Biblical Studies, in addition to four other religiously-focused undergraduate degrees:
- Children’s Ministry
- Pastoral Ministry
- Worship Ministry
- Youth Ministry
You can pair any of these majors with various minors to expand your skills. Available minors include church ministries, theology, and music, among others.
Trinity also offers a 4+1 program that allows you to earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in five years. The program includes undergraduate options in pastoral, youth, or children’s ministry with a graduate degree in rural ministries or missional leadership.
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Maranatha Baptist University
20-Year ROI$652,245
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,750(in state) / $13,750(out of state)
- $430 per credit hour
- 128 credit hours
- Dual enrollment available for qualified high school students
School Wide
Program Level
Maranatha Baptist University is in Wisconsin, but with their online Bachelor of Science degree in Bible, you can get the biblical studies education you want from anywhere in the world.
As the name of the program indicates, you will spend much of your time studying the Bible. You’ll get a broad-based education in biblical studies while also learning how to apply what you’ve learned to ministerial situations.
Other topics of study include:
- Philosophy
- Fundamentalism
- Apologetics
- Modern Creationary Thought
There’s also a Bible capstone portfolio required, which serves as a summative assessment before you graduate with your degree.
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World Mission University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,200(in state) / $6,200(out of state)
- $270 per credit hour
- 126 credit hours
- Outside ministry required during enrollment
School Wide
Program Level
You can enroll in an online Bachelor of Arts program in Christian ministries at World Mission University. This program helps you understand basic Christian theology and demonstrate understanding of ministerial skills.
The purpose of this program is twofold. First, to educate you in the Gospel in preparation for the ministry, and two, to prepare you for graduate studies. To achieve these goals, you’ll take courses in:
- Missiology
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Church History
There is a ministerial field education requirement for all WMU students during the program as well. Before you graduate, you must also pass the Bible comprehensive exam and demonstrate strong Christian character.
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Belhaven University
20-Year ROI$739,969
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $23,900(in state) / $23,900(out of state)
- $425 per credit hour
- 124 credit hours
- Significant discount for active-duty military
School Wide
Program Level
The online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University is a 124-credit program that helps you develop a strong Christian foundation from which to minister. You’ll learn about God’s word, the application of His word to modern-day life, and develop practical skills you’ll need to minister.
Each course lasts just seven weeks, so you get an intensive education in each subject before moving to the next. Courses include:
- The Book of Moses
- Acts and Paul
- Global Perspectives
- The Life and Teachings of Jesus
- Biblical Interpretation
Belhaven offers a human services concentration as part of this degree if you have a desire to work with people in need.
If you’re an active-duty member of the military, you pay only $250 per credit hour. There’s also a discounted rate of $340 per credit hour for first responders, veterans, and military spouses.
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Carolina College of Biblical Studies
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,320(in state) / $6,320(out of state)
- $255 per credit hour
- 120 credit hours
- Scholarships available for qualified students
School Wide
Program Level
The Carolina College of Biblical Studies offers a number of degree programs for prospective ministers. That includes the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies program that’s offered 100 percent online.
Your studies focus on theology and the Bible. To do so, you’ll take classes that include:
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Evangelism and Missions
- Hermeneutics
- Servant Leadership
Courses in Church History, the Book of Romans, and the Book of Acts (among others) are required as well.
You don’t have to desire a career as a pastor or minister to enroll in this program. It’s excellent preparation for Christian teachers and lay church leadership as well.
