Ministry, put simply, is an act (or acts) of service to others. Expanding on this definition, the contemporary Christian ministries major prepares graduates for ministry by focusing on specific needs and roles in church and para-church organizations. Thus, this major is designed for students with an interest in practical forms of service in church and para-church ministries.

The contemporary Christian ministries major offers a unique practicum (internship), which allows each student to participate in a practical ministry, integrating theory with real-life application. The practicum provides an ongoing integration of faith and learning, and of theory and practice. While this major offers basic training in theology, church history, and biblical literature, most courses focus on ministry skills, such as Christian leadership, youth ministry, creative teaching, pastoral ministries, discipleship and evangelism.

The bachelor of arts degree in contemporary Christian ministries prepares students for immediate entry into ministry. Many graduates find employment in the church (youth, children, and worship ministries, etc.), as well as in para-church ministries (Youth for Christ, Young Life, World Impact, missions, camping ministry, etc.). This major also provides a solid basis for further graduate studies in seminary and a wide variety of other fields.

REQUIRED COURSES (8 COURSES, 23-24 UNITS)

• BIB-428 Biblical Theology (3)
• or BIB-440 Biblical Interpretation (4)
• MIN-200 Perspectives on Contemporary Christian Ministries (1)
• MIN-357 Christian Leadership and Administration (4) (Not allowed to overlap with focus series)
• MIN-360 The Church in an Urban World (3)
• MIN-379 Spiritual Formation (2)
• MIN-383 Introduction to Youth Ministries (3)
• MIN-396 Discernment (to be taken spring semester of sophomore or junior year) (1)
• MIN-482 Contemporary Ministries Practicum (capstone) (2)

ELECTIVES (17 UNITS)
Select a minimum of 17 units from the following:

• BLIT-310-349 Biblical Literature (3-4)
• COM-360 Digital Video Production (3)
• COM-400 Intercultural Communication (3)
• COM-420 Conflict Management and Resolution (3)
• COM-430 Group Dynamics and Leadership (3)
• DRA-355 Creative Drama (3)
• MGT-355 Organizational Behavior (3)
• MGT-357 Organizational Development (3)
• MGT-362 Nonprofit Management (3)
• MIN-358 Creative Communication in Ministry (2)
• MIN-375 Discipleship and Evangelism (2)
• MIN-378 Introduction to Worship Ministries (3)
• MIN-386 Youth Ministry Methods (3)
• MIN-390 Introduction to Preaching (2)
• MIN-470 Pastoral Ministries (3)
• MIN-475 Urban Los Angeles Immersion (1)
• MUS-400 Music in the Church (3)
• PSY-350 Child Development (3)
• PSY-355 Adolescent Development (3)
• PSY-440 Counseling (4)
• REL-418 Culture, Religion and the Church (3)
• REL-452 Christianity in the Non-Western World (4)
• REL-460 Religions of the World (4)
• SOC-350 Marriage and Family (3)
• THEO-365 Current Perspectives on Missions (3)
• THEO-425 Theological Ethics and the Environment (4)
• THEO-430 Contemporary Theologies (4)
• THEO-445 Theology of Mission (4)
• THEO-465 Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking (4)

Other courses may be chosen in consultation with the program director.