The Department of Religion offers a major in religion with concentrations in Christian Ministry, Youth and Children's Ministry, and Christian Worship. In addition, students may wish to take a minor in religion with concentrations in Christian Studies, Christian Ministry, Youth and Children's Ministry and Christian Worship.
On-Campus Religion Program
This degree program prepares individuals for ministry in a variety of areas, with specialized concentrations offered in Christian Ministry, Youth and Children's Ministry and Christian Worship.
Ordination
Graduating with a Religion major from Southern Wesleyan University completes all educational requirements for ordination in the Wesleyan Church. Students can also meet the Wesleyan licensed minister eductional requirements with a specialized minor.
CoVo: Curriculum Streamlining for Double Major
The Department of Religion at SWU recognizes a growing need for multi-skilled pastors in ministry and ministry-minded individuals in the workforce. We have streamlined our curriculum to easily facilitate double majors and minors and strongly encourage our Religion students to double major or minor in another discipline to broaden their educational experience, contextual understanding, and marketability.
Practical Ministry Experience
All Religion students gain valuable ministry experience through up to 15 credit hours in robust internships or full ministry immersion residencies.
Meet the Religion Faculty
Optional Residency Program
Our optional ministry residency program provides an opportunity for Christian ministry majors who are seeking a fully immersive ministry experience while completing their education. Students who have achieved senior standing may apply for 6-12 hours of residency in a church or other ministry context which may be completed in two semesters (combined with online courses) or one larger credit-hour semester. Our students have completed this residency locally, in other states, and even in other countries. Note: Students may not take more than a maximum total of 15 credit hours of practical ministry field education
Mission
The mission of the Southern Wesleyan Department of Religion is to multiply disciples by equipping and deploying well trained, biblically faithful, spiritual leaders to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
Our overall goal is for our students to be transformed by Christ, the Living Word, and live transformed lives as evidenced by the values, priorities, and personal witness of those who have answered God’s call. Then equipped to study and teach the written Word of God, they will be prepared to serve Christ and His church as pastors, youth pastors, children’s pastors, worship pastors, missionaries, and other ministry leaders.
Learning Outcomes
Students obtaining a BA in Religion are students who will...
- Demonstrate spiritual maturity
- Substantiate biblical literacy
- Apply church history
- Construct theological knowledge
- Apply skilled communication
- Develop ministerial leadership
- Formulate contextual awareness