BA in Religion

Become a ministry or church leader that is loving, relevant, and effective

You feel called to lead and called to serve. You know that ministry will be a part of your future career. At SWU, religion majors learn to apply scriptural principles to contemporary life by introducing what they learn in the classroom into a real ministry setting. You will prepare for ministry in a variety of areas, with concentrations in Christian Ministry, Christian Worship, and Children's/Youth Ministry. Our expert, loving faculty members will teach, mentor, and guide you as you seek God for the next steps in your calling.

As a ministry major, you will begin cultivating a pattern of spiritual accountability and participating in ministry while in school. You'll get relevant experience, learning to preach and teach effectively and persuasively, plan and conduct worship services, provide pastoral care, and understand basic counseling. You will gain understanding of the theological implications in life issues, and experience what it means to share the plan of salvation with a seeker, provide administrative leadership for ministry and continue your personal spiritual development throughout your life. You might consider a religion major if you sense God’s calling on your life for ministry, are seeking to serve in a church or other Christ-centered organization, are an individual who shows Christ-like compassion to others and are seeking a leadership role in ministry.

A Ministry Degree Program that is "Both/And"

• Traditional / Contemporary worship styles
• Large church / Small church
• Tradition and history / Relevant mission
• Preparation for immediate ministry placement / Preparation for graduate school
• Rigor in the classroom / Mentoring relationships and community
• Disciplined study / Real-life ministry experiences

Religion Minors

Cognates/Minors are available in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship, Bible, Mission Studies, Christian Worship, and Religious Studies. These minors may be completed with a Religion major or with a major from another academic department.

What about Ordination?

Those preparing for ordination in The Wesleyan Church should complete one of the following programs: Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, Christian Education, Bible, or Missions. A program consists of the concentration in Christian Ministry and the appropriate minor or cognate. Each of these programs will meet the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church, as well as satisfying many comparable requirements for ordination in other denominations.