Why Choose Ministry at Bushnell?
Small classes, practical ministry training, and faculty mentorship rooted in active ministry experience set Bushnell’s Christian Ministry program apart. Students learn from faculty who are not only educators, but also pastors and ministry leaders currently serving in churches and communities, bringing real-world insight, mentorship, and ministry experience directly into the classroom.
Experiential learning is integrated throughout the program. Students regularly gain hands-on ministry experience through preaching opportunities, discipleship leadership, internships, worship leadership, youth ministry involvement, and service partnerships with churches and organizations such as Everyone Village.
Many students actively serve in ministry roles while completing their degree, helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience before graduation. Graduates leave prepared for ministry, seminary, nonprofit leadership, missions, and a wide variety of faith-based leadership opportunities.
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Internship Experience
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships in local churches, nonprofit organizations, and ministry settings, places like Eugene Faith Center, Willamette Christian Center, and Twin Oaks Christian Church.
These placements are tailored to your interests and vocational goals. Whether you’re preaching, teaching, serving your community, or exploring other ministry roles, you’ll:
- Apply biblical and theological principles in real-world contexts
- Build leadership, communication, and ministry skills
- Cultivate confidence and deepen your sense of purpose
- Develop a clearer understanding of how to live out your faith in service to others
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
The Christian Ministry curriculum combines biblical study, theology, leadership development, and practical ministry preparation. Students build a strong foundation in preaching, discipleship, ministry communication, pastoral leadership, theology, and spiritual formation while developing the relational and leadership skills needed for effective ministry in churches and communities.
Coursework includes classes such as Leadership Skills for Ministry, The Worshipping Community, Social Justice in the Gospels and the Prophets, Orality: 50 Biblical Stories Essential for Ministry, and Preaching. Students also complete internships, ministry-focused electives, and a senior capstone experience that connects classroom learning with real ministry application.
Experiential learning opportunities such as outreach projects, worship participation, local church partnerships, and ministry leadership experiences help students apply biblical principles in practical and meaningful ways before graduation.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Christian Ministry?
Students who graduate from the Christian Ministry program at Bushnell pursue careers and graduate pathways such as:
- Lead or Associate Pastor
- Youth or Children’s Ministry Director
- Missionary or Cross-Cultural Ministry Worker
- Chaplain (additional graduate study may be required)
- Non-profit or Community Ministry Leader
- Campus, Outdoor, or Retreat Ministry Coordinator
Concentrations & Pathways
Christian Apologetics
Develop the skills to thoughtfully defend and communicate the Christian faith through coursework in theology, philosophy, ethics, and apologetics. This concentration prepares students for pastoral leadership, apologetics ministry, and seminary study.
Missions
Prepare for cross-cultural ministry and global outreach through coursework focused on missions, intercultural communication, global issues, and world religions. Students develop practical skills for serving in local and international ministry settings.
Pastoral Ministry
Focused on preaching, pastoral care, church leadership, and discipleship, this concentration prepares students for leadership roles in church ministry and pastoral service.
Youth Ministry
Learn how to disciple, mentor, and lead the next generation through coursework in youth ministry, small group leadership, preaching, and discipleship strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Yes. The curriculum provides a strong theological and biblical foundation that prepares you for seminary studies leading to ordination or licensure, depending on denominational requirements. Many graduates continue into seminary or graduate ministry programs.
The program integrates opportunities for spiritual growth through mentoring, chapel involvement, service learning, and reflective coursework. You will engage practices that deepen your faith, strengthen your character, and help you discern your calling in community with peers and faculty.
Yes. Students may participate in mission trips, cross-cultural ministry courses, or internships with global ministry partners. These experiences help you develop cultural awareness and skills for international or multicultural ministry contexts.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s Christian Ministry program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Troy Dean
Director of Outreach, Center for Calling & Community
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry
View Bio
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