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Bachelor of Arts inMinistry and Leadership

 

Why Study Ministry and Leadership at ORU?

Our Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Ministry and Leadership is designed for students who feel called to serve, lead, and make a difference through Christ-centered ministry. With six unique concentration options—ranging from church operations to intercultural studies—you’ll shape a path that fits your passion and calling.

At ORU, you’ll grow as a Spirit-empowered leader with deep biblical knowledge, practical ministry experience, and a solid theological foundation. Through Whole Person Education and the guidance of dedicated faculty, you’ll be equipped to lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence in churches, communities, and beyond.

Start your ministry journey at ORU today!

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Flexible Study Options

ON CAMPUS

Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life at our main campus.

ORU FLEX

Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning environment.

ONLINE

Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.

Portrait Image of Student Sophia Packiam
I want to reach those who intentionally reject the Gospel or who struggle with questions of faith. Some people have a hard time accepting God, and biblical literature has prepared me to talk to these people on an intellectual level.

Sophia Packiam

Colorado

 

Concentrations

Church Operations

This concentration provides practical training in leadership, nonprofit management, and church administration. Courses include Principles of Management, Christian Leadership, and Church Administration—all built on a strong biblical foundation.

Evangelism & Outreach

This concentration prepares you for a life of ministry through evangelism, both in churches and urban communities. Core experiences include Introduction to Evangelism, Discipleship & Small Groups, and Urban Outreach Ministries.

Local Church Pastor

This concentration helps you develop the skills and heart to lead a local congregation through preaching, discipleship, and pastoral care. Key courses include Sermon Prep and Preaching, Church Growth and Planting, and Spirit-Empowered Pastoral Care.

Sports Ministry

This concentration unites your passion for ministry and sports with training to serve in camps, leagues, and chaplaincies. You’ll study Global Perspectives of Sport, Ethics in Counseling, and Human Performance Psychology.

Youth & Family Ministry

This concentration equips you to serve and disciple youth and families with courses like Youth Culture and Faith Development, Pastoral Care of Families, and Media and Technology in Ministry—all rooted in sound theology.

Intercultural Studies

This concentration equips you to serve cross-culturally with courses like Intro to Christian Missions, Missions and Culture, and Church Growth and Planting.

This concentration provides practical training in leadership, nonprofit management, and church administration. Courses include Principles of Management, Christian Leadership, and Church Administration—all built on a strong biblical foundation.

This concentration prepares you for a life of ministry through evangelism, both in churches and urban communities. Core experiences include Introduction to Evangelism, Discipleship & Small Groups, and Urban Outreach Ministries.

This concentration helps you develop the skills and heart to lead a local congregation through preaching, discipleship, and pastoral care. Key courses include Sermon Prep and Preaching, Church Growth and Planting, and Spirit-Empowered Pastoral Care.

This concentration unites your passion for ministry and sports with training to serve in camps, leagues, and chaplaincies. You’ll study Global Perspectives of Sport, Ethics in Counseling, and Human Performance Psychology.

This concentration equips you to serve and disciple youth and families with courses like Youth Culture and Faith Development, Pastoral Care of Families, and Media and Technology in Ministry—all rooted in sound theology.

This concentration equips you to serve cross-culturally with courses like Intro to Christian Missions, Missions and Culture, and Church Growth and Planting.

Courses Offered

As an ORU ministry and leadership student, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of the field, including:

  • Principles of Management
  • Christian Leadership
  • Church Administration
  • Youth Culture & Faith Development
  • Team Ministry
  • Global Leadership
  • Sermon Prep & Preaching
  • Spirit-Empowered Pastoral Care
  • Church Growth & Planting
  • Discipleship & Small Groups
  • Ethics
  • Teaching the Bible

 

Degree Path

Tuition and Scholarships

Nearly 100% of our full-time, undergraduate residential students receive ORU grants and scholarships through academic achievement and through ORU’s premier Quest Whole Leader Scholarship. Visit our financial aid page to learn more.

Explore Tuition & Aid

Careers

Ministry and Leadership Careers Example Image

Graduates of ORU's ministry and leadership program enjoy successful careers such as:

  • Pastor
  • Missionary
  • Youth Pastor
  • Children's Pastor
  • Chaplain
  • Evangelist
  • Missionary
  • Teacher

 

 

Program Features

Students in the College of Theology and Ministry put their calling into action through internships with global mission organizations, national nonprofits like Compassion International and The Salvation Army, and local churches. These experiences help students grow in leadership, deepen their ministry skills, and prepare for lifelong service in a variety of ministry contexts.

ORU meets the accreditation standards set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

MEET YOUR FACULTY

At ORU, you’ll learn from Spirit-empowered scholars and ministry leaders who bring real-world pastoral, missionary, and leadership experience into the classroom. Our faculty is deeply committed to your spiritual and academic growth, equipping you to lead with wisdom, compassion, and biblical integrity in a wide range of ministry settings.

Get to know your faculty

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