Church Ministries

The Church Ministries major is an accelerated program that provides a balanced mix of courses in four areas: Bible and theology; Christian worldview; contextualization of biblical concepts, church ministry values and skills; and church leadership and administration. Classes meet one night a week and are designed to be flexible for learners who hold full-time jobs. Students can expect 15 hours per week of reading, studying, research and writing.

Each of Evangel's academic programs is made up of a set of core curriculum, program requirements and electives. The courses listed below are just a small sample of courses that might be taken as a part of this specific program.

Introduction to Church Ministries	This course will allow students to identify their strengths and giftings in application to church ministries. Students will apply critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the Church Ministries program. Students will be presented the protocols for academic writing and interaction. An overview of the subjects covered in the Church Ministries program and opportunities for application of the program to the field of Church Ministries.
Old Testament Book Study	Selected and concentrated study in an Old Testament book. Each course includes a unit on procedures for interpreting the Bible. Each year, the department selects the studies to be offered.
Spiritual Formation and Discipleship	A study of the theory and practice of spiritual formation and Christian discipleship. Attention will be given to the reflective discipline of one’s own individual journey with God in personal spiritual development. Provides a theological and practical groundwork for participating in the local church and sharing one’s faith in the community.
Introduction to Theology	Survey of Christian theology, including a study of the Statement of Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God.
Strategic Planning for Church Ministries	Examines the leader’s role in establishing and communicating a church’s vision, goals and objectives, and programs to accomplish the church’s mission. Practical instruction will be provided for creating a comprehensive and strategic church calendar, innovative service programming, and leading effective church ministry teams.
New Testament Book Study	Selected and concentrated study in a New Testament book. Each course includes a unit on procedures for interpreting the Bible. Each year, the department selects the studies to be offered.
Hermeneutics	An intensive study and application of biblical interpretation.
Church Administration and Financial Management	A study of church administration including: incorporation, parliamentary procedure, clergy tax, building maintenance, and risk management. Examines issues related to administering church staff, board, and relationships with fellowship. Overview of church financial systems and procedures.
Public Speaking and Preaching	Preparation of public presentations for use in the church, including sermons, public Bible studies, devotional addresses, and storytelling. Attention to aids and reference sources, types and styles of public presentations in the church, and outlining and constructing public presentations for specific audiences and occasions. Involves preparing and delivering one or more public addresses.
Church Ministries Practicum	Supervised field experience in a church or para-church setting for a practical application of the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for effective church ministry. Exposure to a variety of ministry settings and responsibilities.
Church Polity and Law	Ministerial and church legal issues. Course provides a basic understanding of the application of civil law to churches and ministers, using case studies to illustrate key points. The laws affecting religious bodies in such matters as incorporation procedures, contracts, deeds, bonds, and other instruments are studied. The course also looks at insurance, legal liabilities of the church, and criminal law as it relates to pastoral ministry. Overview of polity of the Assemblies of God Fellowship.
Biblical Theology	Introduction to the major themes in the Old and New Testament with special attention to hermeneutical issues. Overview of Biblical Theology discipline.
Pentecostal Foundations	Intensive study of the history and theology of Pentecostalism.
Pastoral Counseling	Theoretical basis for dealing with individual and family problems and religious perplexities of church members. Personality abnormalities and professional referral are considered.
Comparative Religions and Apologetics	A study of the living religions of the world. Compares their backgrounds, philosophies, teachings, and influences, and examines their relations to the Christian faith. Includes an examination of the apologetic task, biblical responses to the common barriers to faith, and a critique of opposing worldviews with a focus on effective communication of the Gospel.
Effective Leadership in the Church	An introduction to the biblical characteristics of the leader through examination of biblical examples of leadership from a biblical-theological approach. Attention given to leadership development, integrity, ethics, vision, Spirit-empowerment, servanthood, and mentoring. Exposure to current leadership trends, models, and methodologies in the church.

Evangel University's world-class faculty is made up of caring, Christian professionals who are distinguished in their fields and dedicated to the development of tomorrow's Christian leaders.

Dr. Wave Nunnally: Professor of Early Judaism and Christian Origins

Dr. Wave Nunnally’s love for the Scriptures has brought him to Evangel, where he has been a staple in the Theology Department for the past decade. Among his many academic accomplishments, the former CBC professor has studied Hebrew in Israel and earned a Ph.D. from Jewish rabbinical school. He has also published an extensive amount [...]