Art of Ministry
-Competent -Caring -Creative
In a time where there is yearning for both tradition and innovation, we think our primary responsibility is to help prepare the next generation of students for engaging the postmodern culture as competent, caring, and creative individuals. We invite you to join the movement that integrates ministry and creativity in everything we do. This program empowers students to become skilled professionals, seek emotional health for themselves and others, and use creative problem solving and design thinking in ministry.
The Art of Ministry Program recognizes the need for specialization and allows each student to focus on a particular ministry interest. Therefore, students choose a specific emphasis where all their coursework and projects will be directed. We offer a focus in youth, children, camp, sports, parachurch, young adult and urban ministries.
By the time you complete the program you will know the content and have the expertise to…
-Design and deliver a hermeneutically sound, experiential, participatory and communal lesson to any age group in any setting
-Take a ministry in new directions using creative problem solving (CPS) and design thinking processes
-Articulate a philosophy of ministry from a practical theological perspective
-Bring individuals and families to health using developmental, personality, and family system theories
-Evaluate strategies currently used to foster transformation in impoverished areas.
“Through the youth ministry department, I have become a healthy and whole person. The professors have come along side me to guide me on a journey of living the best possible life for God’s sake. I am confident that I graduated with the tools and education that will help me fuse the Bible and youth ministry in a good, true and beautiful way for years to come."
Elizabeth Wing (‘09)
Youth Ministry major
Division of Bible, Religion & Ministry
Meet the Art of Ministry Faculty:
Don Perini
Jeanette Banashak
Phil Bustrum
Degree: Bachelor of Science
- What can I do with this major?
You will be prepared for any of the following fields:
• Youth ministries
• Camping ministries
• Urban ministries
• Parachurch organizations
• Children’s ministries
• Young adult ministries
• Sports ministries
• Women’s ministries
• Seminary/theological studies
- Why choose the Art of Ministry at Cornerstone?
- It’s not what the Art of Ministry Program will do for you but what it will do to you that matters. That is why organizations and churches seek out our graduates; because they are aware of the type of person they are hiring, a spiritually healthy, skilled minister.
- Interesting classes I may take?
Creativity, Innovation and Problem Solving
Poverty and Justice
Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Relationships
Counseling Families
Art of Ministry
Internship II: Teacher and the Teaching Task
- What internships or partnerships are available with this program?
- Grand Rapids has a plethora of internship opportunities in the local church and in inner-city, camping and parachurch ministries. These internships also include a one-hour-a-week mentoring experience that prepares you for the real world of ministry.
- What are grads doing now?
Jim Kast-Keat: fifty6 Pastor, Mars Hill Bible Church
Miah Collins: Missionary, J-Life Africa
Josh Andrews: Pastor of Youth Ministry, Galilee Baptist Church in Saranac, MI
David McGovern: Pastor of Youth Ministry, Calvary Church
Noah Filipiak: Teaching Pastor, Barefoot Ministries
Chelica Hiltunen: Master of Divinity, Oxford University
Aaron Brown: Staff, Beechpoint Christian Camp
