Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies: Ministry Leadership
Develop your leadership skills to positively impact your congregation.
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Serve God’s People in the Church
The ministry leadership bachelor’s degree at Concordia University Irvine is designed for Christians who want to serve God’s people in a congregation,, specifically those who want to work in the church with children, youth, or young adults.
As part of your program, you’ll take classes in theology, ministry, and leadership. You’ll also take fieldwork classes, where you’ll work in a local church and receive intentional supervision from ministry leaders.
The program allows you to take on a minor of your choosing. Consider electing a minor in areas like communication, business, psychology, worship arts leadership, or mission studies to enhance your development as a future ministry leader.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Caring Community
Discover your second home on our beautiful campus.
“A multi-faceted major is essential for ministry and all of its complexities.”
Victoria ’23
Getting Started
The bachelor’s in ministry program at Concordia is 50 units. To prepare you for a role that works with children and families, you’ll take classes like Family Systems, Developmental Psychology, Principles of Counseling, and more. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other students studying for ministry, participate in Bible studies in our campus ministry, and take part in mission trips.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- ATHL473 – Systematic Doctrinal Theology
- CED202 – Church Leadership and Administration
- CED470 – Family Systems
- MACL103 – Introduction to Ministry Leadership
- MACL390 – Practicum: Ministry Leadership
- MACL401 – Ministry Seminar and Internship I
- MACL402 – Ministry Seminar and Internship II
- PSY313 – Developmental Psychology: Childhood
OR PSY314 – Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
OR PSY315 – Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging
OR PSY320 – Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
OR PSY331 – Marriage and the Family - PSY466 – Principles of Counseling
- REL321 – World Religions
- REL375 – The American Religious Landscape
- THL222 – Christian Witness and Evangelism
- THL304 – History of the Christian Church
- THL311 – Old Testament Book of the Bible
OR THL312 – New Testament Book of the Bible - THL429 – Biblical Theology and Exegesis
- THL430 – Christian Apologetics
OR THL481 – The Mission of Christ’s Church
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completion of the ministry leadership program, you’ll be able to:
- Express an understanding of the language, contents, history, culture, and themes of the Bible.
- Integrate and articulate biblical doctrine in systematic constructs.
- Accurately describe prominent religions, denominations, and philosophies of the past and present.
- Articulate a personal faith in Christ that is well informed from a biblical perspective.
- Demonstrate the theological aptitude to support the church in the Great Commission and lives of service.
Concordia is a Lutheran Christian university — ideal for students who want to study for a Christian ministry degree and reach leadership positions within the church.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Undergraduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Hands-On Experience
During your time in this program, you can find area congregations to work or volunteer at. In your senior year, you will take a senior fieldwork course that requires you to gain hands-on experience in a congregation of your choosing.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Career Outcomes
Clergy positions are on the rise. From 2023-33, roles are projected to grow by 3% — as fast as the average for all occupations. That’s about 6,500 roles.1
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What is a ministry leadership degree?
A degree in ministry leadership positions you to be guided by God’s Word — and help others do the same. If your calling is to spread the Gospel in a faith community, you’ll want to ensure you’re leading as effectively as possible.
For example, in your Church Leadership and Administration course at Concordia, you’ll explore biblical principles and current practices of leaders: envisioning, organizing, budgeting, publicizing, evaluating, and the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers.
For those who wish to further their ministry studies, the bachelor’s program can also be the perfect stepping stone to your master’s.
What makes a good ministry leader?
Learning to become a good ministry leader doesn’t have to be complicated. Pastor Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, stated three practices that can put you in high regard with your parishioners2:
- Preach a decent sermon (2 Tim. 4:15).
- Love and visit your people (1 Peter 5:24).
- Be visible in your community (1 Tim. 3:7).
If you enroll in the ministry leadership degree program at Concordia, you’ll get hands-on experience that complements your classwork. By volunteering or working in a local congregation, you will be mentored by an experienced ministry leader.
How do you know if you’re called to be in ministry?
The ministry leadership degree at Concordia will start by exploring the biblical teaching on ministry and how the Lord calls specific people to take up the mantle of ministry leadership in His church today.
Your introductory course can help you better define this calling. The professional, personal, and spiritual growth and formation of the future ministry leader is investigated, discussed, and fostered.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm (viewed Oct. 29, 2024).
2The Lutheran Witness, Pastor and Congregation 101, on the internet, at:
- https://witness.lcms.org/2012/pastor-and-congregation-101-11-2012/ (viewed Oct. 29, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.