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Christian Ministry

About the Christian Ministry Program

Students in this major and minor are expected to model a lifestyle becoming of a minister of Jesus Christ in covenant with the SAU program. Admission to the major/minor commits the student to a yearly renewal of this covenant through recommendations and review of the student’s campus life, academic performance and ministry activity.

Why this Program

At Spring Arbor University, experience a transformative faith journey where our Christian Ministry major opens doors to a profound understanding of scripture, theology, and the principles of Christianity. Through classroom discussions, coursework and internships at churches in the Jackson area, you’ll begin to discover how God has called you to ministry.

Our professors embrace thought-provoking discussions that will challenge and deepen your faith. Your time at SAU is a time of spiritual growth and personal development, and our faculty will help hone your critical thinking skills to make an impact for Christ’s kingdom. Whether your calling is pastoral ministry, missions, or further academic pursuits, SAU will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. 

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Christian ministry major will be educated, trained, and equipped for ministry in the contemporary world. Students will study scripture, Christian history and doctrine, philosophy, and they will have practical ministry experiences. Students in this program will discern their calling in the variety of ways to be involved in Christian ministry. Students will demonstrate growth and formation in Christian spirituality and will be capable of communicating the Christian faith in the contemporary world. They will discover and engage in the mission of God in the world. 

Program Stats

  • Total Christian Ministry Credit Hours: 120
    • Christian Ministry Major Credit Hours: 45
    • General Education Credit Hours: 52
    • Elective Credit Hours: 23

Key Courses

The courses for this 45-hour major include such subject areas as:

  • BIB 220 Biblical Interpretation
  • CMI 127 Exploring Ministry
  • CMI 310 Communication in Ministry
  • CMI 316 Church Planting/Growth
  • CMI 361 Christian Spirituality & Formation
  • CMI 375 Supervised Ministry (2 Semesters)
  • CMI 401 Biblical Theology of Mission
  • CMI 410 Foundations and Practices in Ministry
  • CMI 475 Supervised Ministry (2 Semesters)
  • PHI 314 Ethics
  • REL/HIS 343 History of Christianity
  • THE 206 Doctrines of the Christian Faith

View the course requirements and layout, course descriptions, a sample four-year plan, as well as learn more about the program at Spring Arbor University in the undergraduate course catalog.