The Ministerial Leadership major is designed to prepare women and men for service in the local church, with a focus on executive leadership. If God is calling you to be a pastor or to lead a church or non-profit organization, this could be the major for you. You’ll bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with examination of your own strengths and development of the skills necessary for effective church and non-profit leadership. This broad ministry degree prepares you for many areas of ministry, including executive leadership, preaching, programming for youth ministries, and planning worship services.
Why Pursue my Bachelor’s in Ministerial Leadership 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 Ministerial Leadership major, 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 graduate studies, 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.
Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries Second Major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major to your specialized first major in Ministerial Leadership. Courses in the Pastoral Ministries second major provide a broad foundation for ministry, equipping you to serve the church in many ways. By joining the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program you’ll have access to additional scholarships and professional development opportunities. In this “3+2” program, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 3 years and Masters of Practical Theology (MDiv equivalent) in 2 years. Pastoral Ministries second majors also fulfill requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church and receive advanced standing in master’s programs.
You’ll have opportunities to put what you’re learning into practice through serving in local churches and participating on the student-led teams that produce the Fusion and Never Too Young conferences, two events that bring thousands of students and teenagers to campus every spring. You’ll gain the experience you need to follow your calling into ministry leadership.
What will I learn in this Ministerial Leadership Program?
All majors in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a solid foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies. Specialized Ministerial Leadership courses include Homiletics, Theology and Practice of Christian Worship Design, Non-Profit Leadership and Administration, Missional Innovation, and more.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus 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!
With a bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Leadership you, prepare students will be able to:
General Education Requirements
Students in these majors meet the general education competencies by taking the approved standard courses or meeting competencies except as otherwise noted.
Admission to Professional Majors
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.
Continuation in Professional Majors
Students must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA and a 2.50 academic GPA in coursework required for the major. Failure to do so may necessitate repeating courses or withdrawal from the major. The School of Theology and Ministry faculty reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student who in its judgment fails to satisfy the standards of Christian character, moral integrity, and social fitness required for a professional minister.
Wesleyan Students
Students anticipating future service in The Wesleyan Church should include Wesleyan Church History/Discipline (REL-431) among their elective courses. The Christian Ministries and Pastoral Ministries majors are specifically designed to meet all the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Any deviation from the course requirements should be approved in writing by both the Dean and the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church. Students who are members of The Wesleyan Church should be in contact with their District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) prior to applying for admission to the professional majors.
Graduate Credits-in-Escrow
A senior who is currently enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University and who is within the last semester of completing course requirements for the baccalaureate degree may, with the approval of the appropriate dean register for a maximum of two graduate courses per semester. Such students who desire to take additional graduate courses after earning the baccalaureate degree must follow the regular admission procedure.
Graduate courses may not be counted at Indiana Wesleyan University for both graduate and undergraduate requirements.
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.
