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BACHELOR OF ARTS | CHURCH MINISTRY: PASTORAL STUDIES

Overview | Pastoral Studies

Maranatha’s Pastoral Studies degree is designed to provide a broad knowledge of biblical studies and Greek. Under the careful guidance of Maranatha’s experienced Bible faculty, you gain valuable insight into pastoral ministry, including pastoral leadership, prayer, church administration, preaching, and counseling. You can combine this major with a variety of minors to train for work in missions, youth work, camp work, or other careers associated with the pastorate. Fieldwork and internships are also available.

 

Program Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and describe best practices related to pastoral ministry and church administration.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to explain the Baptist distinctives in the context of Baptist history.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate and defend biblical doctrine in a systematic fashion.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and apply biblical truth accurately and effectively in preaching, discipleship, and writing.
  • Students will demonstrate servant leadership behaviors in ministry settings.

Suggested Course Schedule

Semester 1

Old Testament Survey (3)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Greek Grammar 1 (4)
English Composition 1 (3)
The Modern World (3)
Music Elective (2)

Total Credits: 17

Semester 2

New Testament Survey (3)
English Composition 2 (3)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Greek Grammar 2 (4)
Fundamentals of Public Speaking (2)
Math or Science Elective (3)

Total Credits: 17

Semester 1

History of Christianity (3)
Baptist Heritage (3)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Greek Reading (3)
Minor (3)
Math or Science Elective (3)

Total Credits: 17

Semester 2

Christian Life, Leadership, and Evangelism (3)
Biblical Interpretation (3)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Exegetical Grammar (3)
Minor (3)
American Studies Elective (3)

Total Credits: 17

Semester 1

Theology 1 (3)
Bible Elective (3)
Homiletics (2)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Minor (3)
Introduction to Philosophy (2)

Total Credits: 15

Semester 2

Theology 2 (3)
Bible Elective (3)
Ethics (2)
Homiletics Practicum (2)
Minor (3)
Literature Elective (3)

Total Credits: 16

 

Summer

Pastoral Studies Internship (2)

Semester 1

Theology 3 (2)
Bible Elective (6)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Minor (3)
The Christian Home (2)

Total Credits: 15

Semester 2

Theology 4 (2)
Fundamentalism (3)
Biblical Studies Seminar (2)
Dispensationalism (3)
Pastoral Theology (2)
Minor (3)
Apologetics (2)

Total Credits: 17

Alumni Spotlight

Steven (’17, ’19) and Megan (Rediske ‘20) Thompson live in Pana, IL. Steven graduated with a BA in Pastoral Studies. Megan graduated with a degree in Missions. Steven currently serves as Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church where he works with the youth and oversees the music. Steven is also the head soccer coach for the guys’ high school team. Megan works as a vet assistant. Both are using these opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel. Steven said “MBU prepared me for the pastorate by giving me a strong theological foundation. The teachers were also able to speak their life experience into the classes and give practical ministry advice.” 

Andy Montgomery (’13, ’15)
Andy Montgomery serves at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN, overseeing children’s ministries—such as Kids4Truth, Sunday School, summer Dynamite Kidz, and junior camp—and also directing a campus ministry—Cross Impact IUPUI. “While at MBU, I enjoyed discipleship opportunities in Leland dorm, using God’s Word to help guys grow in their walk with Christ. All of the different leadership opportunities at MBU helped to equip me for future service to God. I learned from many godly examples as well—how to preach God’s Word and model Christlikeness.”

Ben (’17, ’20) and Beth (Landers ‘16) Coronado live in Huntsville, AL. Ben completed a BA in Pastoral Studies and MA in Biblical Counseling. Beth graduated with a BA in Communication Arts. Ben now serves as a youth pastor for Calvary Baptist Church. He is on track to complete his MDiv through MBU in 2023 as he works to improve his current ministries. Ben said, “The education and experiences I gained while at Maranatha gave me a strong foundation on which to practically build the ministry where God has placed me. In addition, my seminary education continues to challenge me and motivate me to continue to grow.” Beth uses her education in designing church and academy websites and promotional materials, coaching acting groups, and offering portrait photography. God has also allowed Beth to partner with her sister in running a small Scripture design business. She looks back at her time at Maranatha with fond memories and is grateful that God gave her the opportunity to grow there.  

Related Majors

Bible
Biblical Studies
Biblical Languages

Related Minors

Pastoral Studies
Greek
Biblical Counseling

Potential Career Fields

Pastor
Associate/Assistant Pastor
Bible Teacher
Evangelist
Youth Pastor
Camp Director
Missionary
Church Planter

*Some careers and employment positions require graduate degrees,
specialized training, or addtional certification and licenses.

MBU Program Faculty

David Saxon

College of Bible and Church Ministries | Professor
Credentials
PhD Church History, Bob Jones University
MA Church History, Bob Jones University
BS Mathematics, Bob Jones University

Steven K. Love

College of Bible and Church Ministries | Associate Professor
Credentials
DMin, Luther Rice University
MMin, Baptist Bible Seminary
BS Secondary Education, Maranatha Baptist University

Robert Loggans

College of Bible and Church Ministries | Associate Professor
Credentials
DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 
MA Biblical Studies, Maranatha Baptist University
BA Bible and Pastoral Studies, Maranatha Baptist University 

Bryan Brock

College of Bible and Church Ministries | Professor
Credentials
DMin Expository Preaching, The Master’s Seminary
MDiv, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary
BA Pastoral Studies, Maranatha Baptist University

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