Why pursue a B.A. in Church Ministries and Business at Nelson University?
- Many church leaders today serve in contexts that require bi-vocational leadership, organizational oversight, and financial stewardship. Likewise, business leaders who serve the local church benefit from ministry training and theological grounding.
- This degree is uniquely designed to prepare students for both realities.
- By combining Church Ministries and Business into a single, integrated program, students gain:
- Ministry formation grounded in biblical and theological training
- Practical business knowledge applicable to church and nonprofit leadership
- Preparation for vocational ministry, bi-vocational ministry, or marketplace leadership
- Unlike traditional dual-degree pathways that require additional semesters, this program allows students to complete two majors within the standard 120 credit hours, the same timeframe as most bachelor’s degrees.
What You’ll Learn
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries and Business complete a variety of internship and practicum experiences in both ministry and business contexts.
These hands-on learning opportunities allow students to:
- Apply classroom learning in real-world environments
- Gain experience in vocational and marketplace settings
- Develop professional skills for post-graduation success
Program Structure
- Church Ministries
The Church Ministries major prepares students for leadership in vocational and local church ministry contexts. - Students develop:
- Biblical and theological foundations for ministry and leadership skills for pastoral and church-based roles
- Ministry competencies aligned with Assemblies of God credentialing requirements
- As with all Nelson undergraduate ministry degrees, this program includes all coursework required by the Assemblies of God for ministerial credentialing.
- Business
The Business major equips students with essential skills for organizational leadership and operational effectiveness. - Students develop:
- An understanding of core business processes
Skills applicable to church administration, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship - Tools for stewardship, management, and strategic decision-making
- Business training enhances the effectiveness of church leaders, while ministry training strengthens business leaders who serve faith-based organizations.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Church Leadership
- Biblical Foundations for Ministry
- Principles of Management
- Accounting for Organizations
- Internship or Practicum in Ministry or Business
Admission Requirements
AppApplicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries and Business must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Submission of standardized test scores
- A personal statement outlining academic and ministry goals
- Recommendations from a church or ministry leader
Additional admission requirements may apply.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries and Business is structured to provide strong academic value while remaining financially accessible. Tuition is charged per credit hour, and students progress through the program within the standard 120-hour degree framework.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to qualifying students. Nelson University’s financial aid team is available to assist students in understanding tuition costs, payment options, and available funding resources.
Careers and Outcomes
| Possible Careers |
|---|
| Bi-vocational Pastor |
| Business Owner or Entrepreneur |
| Church Business Administrator |
| Director of a Nonprofit Organization |
FAQS
This program is a single degree with two majors—Church Ministries and Business—completed within the standard 120 credit hours of a bachelor’s degree.
Yes. As with all Nelson undergraduate ministry degrees, this program includes the coursework required by the Assemblies of God for ministerial credentialing.
Yes. This program is intentionally designed for students who anticipate serving in bi-vocational ministry contexts, combining ministry preparation with practical business training.
Yes. Students complete a variety of internship and practicum opportunities in both vocational ministry and business settings.
Yes. The Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries and Business is structured as a 120-credit-hour program, allowing most students to complete the degree in the same timeframe as a traditional single-major bachelor’s degree.
Graduates are eligible to pursue advanced study in programs such as the MBA, MOL, MAPT, or MDiv, depending on admission requirements.