Be equipped with the skills to care for the people of God in the local church, with optional concentrations in Worship Arts, Youth Work, and Biblical Studies.
Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology
Major in Church Ministry
The Church Ministry degree is for students interested in exploring a call to ministry and/or leadership within the local church. Students will develop a Christ-centered identity and will grow in both clarity and confidence regarding the unique contribution they can make as ministers and leaders. This program is built on Columbia’s core practical theology curriculum and equips students with a broad range of ministry and leadership skills. This major also includes the opportunity to add a 15-credit concentration in Youth Work, Worship Arts or Biblical Studies. The Church Ministry degree is perfect for any student who loves God, loves people, is oriented toward service, and has a desire to see the church thrive and grow.
What is Practical Theology?
Our theology (what we believe to be true about God) only matters when it permeates every part of who we are: our priorities, our lifestyle, our relationships, our identity, and our vocation. This is why Columbia takes such a balanced approach to education. Learn more about Columbia’s approach to the BA in Practical Theology.
Concentrations
Each degree student has the option to select a concentration in their third year of study. Concentrations include Youth Work, Worship Arts, and Biblical Studies.
Minors
Every degree student at Columbia has the option to select a minor. A minor is a group of five courses outside of a student’s major. A minor allows students to experience added breadth in their degree by exploring a secondary subject area. A Church Ministry student who is taking a concentration cannot take a minor. Learn more about available minors.
Internships
Practical, hands-on experience is an integral part of education. That’s why Columbia requires all degree students to complete an internship in their third or fourth year. Church Ministry students have the unique opportunity to participate in an intensive 10-month internship in their third year. The internship places students in a ministry setting where they acquire valuable hands-on experience working in vocational ministry. The internship program is designed to provide a rich learning experience with practical skill development. For more information about Columbia’s internship program, including application forms and placement options, visit Integrated Learning.
Program Objectives
To view the Program Objectives for Church Ministry degree, click here.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIB did not review this program.
Connect with Us
“Being at CBC over the past four years has been such a beautiful space of challenging growth and gentle encouragement. I think the biggest area of growth for myself has been learning to see my life as not something that I need to control but as something to be given freely into the hands of the Father to be used for his purposes, whatever and wherever those purposes may be.”
—Sarah T
“I have grown in everything. I never used to have the opportunity to grow on myself before I came to CBC. Coming here, I started an amazing journey to find self-awareness with God. He showed me who he created me to be through growing my passion in worship and helping others find healing in brokenness. I grew in my leadership and learned that I am an artist and creator like God; I enjoyed creating the Global Connections Committee and the International Host position with him. I grew so much in my knowledge of God and the Bible, and the more I understood, the more I fell in love with Him and his words. I came here with a passion for worship and grew more in it as I continued to worship lead and learn about them in class practically; I was more sure that this was what I was created to do. I have grown spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. CBC was the perfect environment for me to try new things and search for myself with God; I grew in how to be more myself in how God has originally created me to be.”
—Haeyoung K, Biblical Studies Program
“The most important thing I learned about the Bible at CBC is that God transforms the reader through studying it. It’s more than just a collection of letters and laws. It’s convicting, raw and beautiful. Wrestling with it is okay. Most importantly, we learn about and worship our King Jesus through it.
I discovered my passion for youth and kids at Columbia! I’ve already started my first job as a youth pastor, and I am living the dream! The future of the church lies with kids and youth, and if I can have a role to play in walking alongside these kids in their everyday lives, I would argue that is the biggest privilege of any vocation. I love talking about God and life with kids, and just hanging out with them, it’s the best!”
—Jack M
“I am passionate about finding unity that celebrates our diversity, a common ground that I believe can only be found in the Gospel. As such I desire to find beauty in the things that make every person and group unique. This has created an interest in mediation, a field of study that I may pursue, or use in some way in the future. In the future, I would like to try working in a church, preferably in the arts, as well as pursue further education.“
—Jon W
