Cultivate a strong theological foundation for ministry while studying for a Pastoral Studies degree
At North Central University, students pursuing a Pastoral Ministries degree will cultivate a firmly-rooted Biblical and theological understanding that will not only grow their ministry foundations, but prepare individuals to lead a church. Students will develop effective leadership skills and gain practical experience both through different study abroad opportunities, student-led organizations, or student leadership positions such as a Discipleship Leader.
Due to North Central University’s tight-knit Christian community and spiritual environment, being located in the heart of Minneapolis allows for a multitude of opportunities to not only minister to the people around you, but to receive essential coaching and leadership from professors who deeply care about their students as godly and strategic future leaders and individuals.
The Pastoral Studies major is set apart by a desire and intention to see the lives of students make a tangible impact upon the world. A hunger for learning, both academically and spiritually, will allow individuals to grow, and experience active learning in what is taught inside and outside of the classroom.
Students within the Pastoral Studies major will have opportunities to intern with local ministries and churches while preparing to live out your postgraduate calling. Internship opportunities will allow for hands-on experience and networking connections within the field of pastoral leadership.
There are a number of ways to get connected with on campus ministries. LifeCore consists of weekly discipleship meetings initiated by student leaders called Discipleship Leaders. Render. A student-led chapel ministry, is yet another on-campus ministry to get involved with.
Students enrolled in the Pastoral Leadership program will have the opportunity to experience the Holy Lands on a 3-4 week tour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will draw students further into the land of the Bible, enriching both the classroom knowledge and active learning.
The CCL is a program where you as a student are surrounded by individuals who constantly want to dive deeper into faith and are constantly wanting to learn more about the Bible! That’s been amazing to me!
Olivia, ’25