The associate’s degree in Pastoral Ministries is designed to prepare women and men for service in the local church. If you have a passion for sharing the love of Christ and a calling to serve in a local church or Christian organization, this may be the program for you. You’ll bring together Scripture and theology with the practical skills you need to be an effective and faithful ministry leader.
Why Pursue my Associate’s in Pastoral Ministries at IWU?
Faculty in the School of Theology in Ministry love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. As a Pastoral Ministries student, you’ll find professors who really care about you and want to partner with you in your education and your faith. You’ll have an academic advisor to help you understand your life calling, make the best choices for your college life, and discern your next steps after graduation. You’ll also have access to the academic, spiritual, and emotional support you need to thrive.
We grow most when we grow together. That’s why the School of Theology and Ministry makes community a priority through monthly community-building events, the Follow the Call first year student retreat, the all-STM Deeper Life retreat, small groups, mentoring, and more. Build lifelong friendships through a transformational experience of Christian community.
What will I learn in this Pastoral Ministries Program?
At IWU, you aren’t just learning about ministry; you’re doing ministry. STM students are serving in churches around Grant country during the school year, and around the country in the summer. Whether as a volunteer, intern, or staff member, you’ll have opportunities to serve in youth ministry.
STM students take the lead for Fusion and Never Too Young, two events that bring thousands of high school and middle school students to campus to encounter Jesus Christ and grow in faith. Every summer dozens of students hit the road with our Summer Ministry Teams, leading youth camps across the United States.
With an associate’s degree in Pastoral Ministries you will be able to:
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
Your Pastoral Ministries courses emphasize practical application and experience. School of Theology and Ministry faculty have dozens of years of combined experience in churches of all sizes across the country. Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the church through theory and practice courses like Ministry in Context and Methods for Teaching the Bible. Complete internships under the guidance of seasoned practitioners and partner with local churches to gain the experience you need to become an effective and faith youth pastor.
Courses in the associates in Pastoral Ministries program build on a foundation of Bible, theology and practical pastoral ministry together. You’ll have a choice of specialized courses, including Programming for Youth and Family Ministries, Methods for Teaching the Bible, Principles of Pastoral Counseling and Care, Non-Profit Leadership, and more.
These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.
REL-200,REL-270,BIL-202,THE-233,REL-240,CED-201,CED-202,CED-303,YTH-325,WOR-235L,WOR-300,CED-340,REL-370,YTH-471,REL-472,REL-365,CDV-354,CDV-368
Admission to the majors within the Division of Practical Theology may require a formal screening process separate from the initial declaration of intent. The process includes the successful completion of the prescribed courses designated by each major. Students need to have a GPA of 2.25 cumulative and 2.5 in the coursework required for the major. Students must also file application forms including a written essay and references. In some cases a personal interview with school faculty may also be required. Enrollment in some advanced courses in the division is restricted to those admitted to these majors. A student needs to start the application to the major process by the end of their sophomore year (60 credit hours) and after the successful completion of the designated courses in his or her respective majors. Delay on this process will prohibit students from enrolling in advanced courses in their professional major.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
