Christian Ministry Leadership

School of Ministry

Christian Ministry Leadership in today’s world is ever-evolving. Pastors and church lay leaders must not only possess a solid biblical and theological foundation, but also demonstrate competence in managing budgets and finances, facilities, organizational systems, and human capital. Effective ministry now requires leaders who can strategically guide churches, ministries, and nonprofits while responding thoughtfully to the unique demands of a rapidly globalizing society. 

To meet these needs, Patten’s School of Ministry has developed undergraduate programs that integrate best practices of organizational and ministry leadership with practical opportunities for application in business and/or ministry settings. These programs specifically equip emerging leaders to navigate ministry leadership within a global context, preparing them to communicate across cultures, engage diverse communities, and lead ministries and businesses that operate effectively on an international scale.

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Patten’s approach to education and ministry incorporates the cognitive, affective, and experiential dimensions of learning. Through dynamic coursework and hands-on practice, students prepare for co-vocational ministry, local and global church planting, missionary service, cross-cultural vocation and ministry, benevolence and humanitarian outreach, nonprofit leadership, global strategic leadership, and community development. The result is a cohesive learning experience that shapes students to lead faithfully, wisely, and globally in today’s interconnected world.

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Instructional Modality

The School of Ministry programs are structured to be delivered online via sixteen-week terms. Courses are structured as self-directed learning with an assigned instructor to facilitate assessment of assignments and engage in dialogue with students within the Learning Management System. Each week’s modules have specific learning outcomes, delivered via asynchronous learning modules, written assignments, and/or quizzes and exams. Peer engagement (student-student) is accomplished through interactive Community Engagement Lecture activities. This interactive learning modality allows students to develop rich connections with faculty and each other, providing them the opportunity to achieve a sense of community. The institution’s technology allows for responsive student-faculty interaction. Student work is typically graded within 72 hours of submission, and results are available immediately within the Learning Management System.

Degrees