You’ve got a passion to serve and meet the needs of others. Fuel that passion by being equipped with the experience to live out your faith with a degree in ministry leadership. Rooted in a Christian worldview, our curriculum equips you to demonstrate influential leadership skills in decision-making, communication and conflict resolution. Learn alongside peers with a shared vision and faculty and staff dedicated to supporting you in holistic growth in the classroom and beyond.
Lead with courage and conviction as an influential leader equipped with a range of online courses designed to fuel your holistic growth. Through practical experience and essential biblical knowledge, you’ll be prepared for faithful work wherever you’re called.
Program Courses
In addition to the courses listed here, you may also need additional elective credits to complete the required 120 total credits for your bachelor’s degree. If accepted into a program, your academic adviser can help you figure out how many credits you need and add them into your schedule.
CMI-302 Principles of Self-Management in Ministry
An examination of personal strengths and identification of areas of adjustment that may assist in personal growth, with emphasis on ministry leadership formation. Self-management includes the development of communication and management of individual and professional priorities. Emphasis is also placed on the nurture and development of personal faith, understanding the vocation of ministry leadership, and Christian worldview. Topics include communication processes within groups, goal setting, prioritizing, identifying personal values and time management.
ENG-119 Professional Writing
The study and practice of the various writing styles and skills required in a professional setting with emphasis on clear, concise expression aimed at a specific audience for a specific purpose. The course includes a library and research component, writing of professional letters, compilation of reports and graphs, use of computer technology and the writing of a research paper documented by APA standards. (Satisfies general education English requirement.)
COM-211 Professional Communication
An overview of the communication process in organizations with emphasis on oral presentation skills. (Satisfies general education speech requirement.)
CMI-312 Personal Growth for Effective Leadership
A study and application of the various facets of personal growth necessary for effective leadership. These include the purpose and practice of spiritual disciplines, identifying one’s spiritual gifts and natural abilities, and the importance of establishing relationships for accountability.
REL-228 Principles of Biblical Studies
An introduction to various methods of Bible study. Emphasis is placed upon inductive study with the intent to provide a method by which ministry leaders become independent students of Scripture. The inductive method is applied to various literary genres of both the Old and New Testaments.
REL-237 Interpretive Analysis of New Testament Literature
A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Special emphasis is given to the method of reading Scripture through a range of New Testament texts. Aspects of this method include attention to cultural, historical, grammatical and theological interpretation.
CMI-338 Ministry Ethics and Values
An examination of the principles and values that guide ethical decision-making, ethical relationships and ministry practices in parachurch and local church settings. The course focuses on helping students develop a personal code of ethics within the framework of a thoroughly Christ-centered worldview.
REL-238 Christian Doctrine I
A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including revelation, God, humanity, Christ and sin. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.
REL-345 Christian Doctrine II
A systematic study of the basic biblical doctrines of Christianity including the Holy Spirit, the Church, salvation and end times. The course reviews relevant Bible passages and emphasizes the practical application of biblical teachings in Christian living.
CMI-331 Philosophy of Leadership
A study of the biblical concepts of ministry, theological presuppositions, skills, attitudes and values that shape one’s philosophy. Students formulate a ministry philosophy providing the basis for constructing a pattern for program development.
MGT-317 Organizational Behavior and Processes
An examination of organizational behavior, structure and processes. The course focuses on individual and group roles in the organization and the effects of cultural elements on motivation and productivity.
CMI-433 Systems for Cultural Impact
A study of the attitudes of faithfulness, sensitivity and persistence needed to impact one’s culture with the foundational truths of Scripture. Special attention is given to cross-cultural applications and developing a system for integrating evangelism and discipleship in one’s organization.
REL-233 Interpretive Analysis of Old Testament Literature
A study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural, historical, grammatical and theological method of interpretation. The application of these principles is drawn specifically from the Old Testament scriptures. The course is designed to provide ministry leaders with a method to properly interpret the Bible.
MGT-315 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
A study of the development of communication and management skills necessary for successfully resolving conflict situations.
MGT-316 Managing the Not-for-Profit Organization
An examination of the role of management in the not-for-profit organization. Topics include marketing, legal issues, insurance, finance, fundraising, human resources and technology.
CMI-442 Applications in Organizational Leadership
A capstone module designed to allow students to integrate the various principles of the program with actual vocational environments. Case study analysis provides the basis for connecting ministry leadership objectives to vocational experiences. A special session is conducted on vocational search for leadership positions in ministry, service, or not-for- profit organizations. Completion of previous course work is necessary for successful completion of this course.
Program Learning Outcomes
Pursue your calling to lead others well on a foundation of Christ-centered virtues. Our ministry leadership degree invites you to thrive in holistic growth through developing decision-making and collaboration techniques as well as critical components of a Christian worldview.
Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of ministry leadership.
Describe core principles and terminology relevant to the study of biblical studies, theology and ministry leadership.
Apply biblical studies, theology and ministry leadership principles to leading a ministry or non-profit organization.
Demonstrate the use of ethical decision-making in ministry leadership.
Understand current issues related to the field of ministry leadership.
Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems
Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.
Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to the degree program.
Apply concepts from the field of ministry leadership in light of a problem outside of the classroom.
Provide evidence of the ability to collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives in ministry leadership.
Exhibit communication skills, both in written and oral forms, appropriate for ministry leadership.
Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills
Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Intercultural Competence
Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in ministry leadership.
Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview
Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, you will demonstrate understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and culture from a ministry leadership perspective.
My degree helps me understand the human condition and help others find their way. God led me out of darkness, and now I am equipped to help others through the same process.
Alicia Macklin (A.S. ’17, B.S. ’20)
Related Programs
Follow your passion for serving where you’re called with these other programs available at Cornerstone University.
