Are you considering a career in the ministry? Don’t hesitate to begin by earning your online Bachelor of Ministry degree. Programs in this field are easily attainable through a flexible and convenient online format. Without a doubt, following a call to ministry is a commitment that should not be taken lightly, therefore, focusing on a quality education will benefit you in your quest to share the Lord with others.
If you decide to heed the calling at an early age, for example, right out of high school, you will need to provide your school of choice with your high school diploma and transcripts, in addition to, your SAT or ACT scores. Some programs would like for you to provide information on the activities you have been involved with through your local church, reference letters, and a personal essay describing your desire to enter the ministry.
Through your online Bachelor of Ministry degree program, you can expect a variety of courses designed to prepare you for seminary school. The program generally will take you four years to complete and will combine religious studies with leadership and administration concepts. Most programs will require a thesis or final research project to graduate.
Coursework may include instruction in Biblical counseling, pastoral counseling, youth ministry services, Christian evangelism, and multicultural studies, along with, effective sermon writing, Christian rites and traditions, and ministerial ethics.
You can also expect coursework on Christian philosophy and theological leadership, as well as, how to communicate with parishioners, manage religious organizations, and effective leadership and guidance practices.
You will also enjoy in-depth classes focused on Bible interpretation within the New and Old Testaments, ministry supervision and philosophy, organizational theology, Christian history, and world religions, as well as, proper ways to conduct counseling, baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
In most online Bachelor of Ministry programs, you will have the opportunity to specialize in a certain type of ministry, if desired. These programs may concentrate on youth ministry, a music ministry, or perhaps, Bible theology or evangelism.
With an online Bachelor of Ministry degree, you will be eligible for entry-level career opportunities within the church such as a youth minister, in children’s ministries, in church administration, or in missions work, locally or abroad. You may choose to work in churches, schools, and hospitals, through social services, respite care, nursing homes, and other community outreach programs.
If becoming the minister of your church is your desire, you will want to consider earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. This type of program, often referred to as seminary school, will take three to four years to complete. The M.Div degree program offers a comprehensive overview of topics related to church history, laws and ethics, and sermon preparation, in addition to, pastoral counseling, and the pertinent skills needed to lead a congregation.
Before signing on to an online Bachelor of Ministry program, please be sure to pray about your decision. Let God lead you to a program that is right for you and fits your personality. If you would like to learn more about this topic, please see our choices for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Ministry Degree Programs.