The Children and Family Ministries major is designed to prepare women and men for service in the local church, with a focus on ministry with children and families. If you have a passion for sharing the love of Christ with children and helping families grow in faith together, this could be the major for you. You’ll bring together deep study of Scripture and theology with a contemporary understanding of spiritual development, and the practical skills you need to prepare you to lead an effective children’s and family ministry in a church or other organization.
Why Pursue my Bachelor’s in Children and Family Ministries at IWU?
Faculty in the School of Theology in the family Ministry program love to connect with students and invest in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth during their education experience at IWU. As a Children and Family Ministries 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 discern your next steps after graduation. Throughout your education, 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 while earning your degree.
What will I learn in this Children and Family Ministries Program?
Your Children and Family Ministries courses emphasize practical application and experience for students. 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 in family ministry and partner with local churches who have a family ministry program to gain the experience and organizational skills you need to enter as staff for a children and family ministry program or as a volunteer for a ministry position.
Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries Second Major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major [hyperlink to Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program page] to your specialized first major in Children and Family Ministries. Classes 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 a 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.
The School of Theology and Ministry is the home of the Imaginarium, a hub for generating new ways of experiencing the Christian life with children, teenagers, and young adults. You’ll have opportunities to participate in the innovative work of the Imaginarium, under the leadership of executive director Dr. Amanda Drury.
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!
All ministry majors here in the School of Theology and Ministry are built on a foundation of spiritual formation, practical ministry, and biblical and theological studies. Specialized Children and Family Ministries courses include Methods for Teaching the Bible, Pastoral Counseling and Care of Children and Youth, Communication for Children and Family Ministries, Leading Children’s Ministry in a Local Church, and more. With a bachelor’s degree in Children and Family Ministries 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.
Advanced Standing with Credit
Graduates of undergraduate programs with relevant theological courses in Bible, theology, church history, and practical theology, and who enroll in the relevant graduate programs of the School of Theology and Ministry may receive advanced standing with credit on the basis of competence achieved in certain undergraduate courses. Advanced standing with credit may not exceed 25% of the total hours in the program. Advanced credit may be granted for the courses listed below under the following conditions:
| Required Undergrad Courses | |
| BIL 510 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) |
Two of the Following: BIL 202 Inductive Bible Study |
| THE 500 Christian Doctrine (3) |
Two of the following: THE 233 Theology I |
| REL 510 History of the Global Christian Church (3) |
Two of the following: GLM 380 History of Christian Missions and Contextualization |
| REL 525 Spiritual Care and Counseling (3) |
Two of the following: REL 229 The Christian Life: Sustaining Spiritual Vibrancy throughout Life |
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.
