Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Ministry Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Choosing an online ministry school will depend on the award level desired and the online format. Some distance ministry programs are offered fully online, while others may require some on-campus attendance.

How to Select an Online Ministry School

Award Level

One of the first things for students to consider when selecting an online ministry school is their desired degree level. Students can earn a certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree or a doctorate in ministry online.

Program Type

Another consideration for choosing an online ministry school is the on-campus attendance requirements. Some programs are delivered completely online, allowing students to log in for lectures and assignments whenever it's convenient. Other programs combine online courses with on-campus sessions, which may require up to four weeks of attendance at the school or an off-site location.

List of Online Ministry Programs

Online Certificate in Ministry

Online certificates in ministry require between 12 to 30 hours of study. Course topics focus on the Bible, theological ministries and religious studies. Most schools allow students to customize their own coursework from any of the available online courses.

Online Associate of Arts in Church Ministry

An online associate degree in ministry consists of general education requirements in English, math, science and history. Students are also required to complete core courses in the Bible and ministry studies. Course topics may include nonprofit administration and accounting, ministry management and leadership, evangelism and group counseling.

Online Bachelor of Arts in Transformational Christian Ministries

An online bachelor's degree program in ministry usually requires about 128 hours to complete, including general education requirements. Coursework may include spiritual mentoring, discipleship ministries, Christian theology, Biblical theology, pastoral care, congregational leadership and ministry practices.

Online Master of Divinity

Online Master of Divinity programs can take up to six years to complete and may require an internship during the fifth and sixth years. Students study topics in early and medieval church history, Christian ethics, church reform, worship, systematic theology and the foundations of preaching.

Online Doctor of Ministry

Online Doctor of Ministry degrees are offered with the option of several concentrations, including congregational growth and development, spirituality and preaching, worship and ecological ministries. Depending on the concentration, coursework may include apocalyptic theology, American Jesus, ministerial leadership in a postmodern culture, models of a future church, prophetic leadership and writing for worship.

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