School of Theology & Christian Ministry

The diversity of experience and preparation of our faculty makes for a rich and challenging learning environment, while our varied courses of study offer a stimulating range of options from which to choose.

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Overview

Serving God and Humanity

Preparing students to serve God and people in the setting of today’s Church is foundational to the mission of Olivet Nazarene University.

Students enter with a desire to serve and graduate prepared to serve. A degree from Olivet’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry is a comprehensive one that provides entry-level knowledge and skills in the areas of biblical studies, theology, philosophy and the history of Christianity, as well as practices such as Christian education and spiritual formation.

From the Dean

“We hope to ignite a passion within the student population for God’s work in their lives.”

The School of Theology and Christian Ministry mission is to equip students with skills, content and knowledge for those preparing for ministry and further academic pursuits within Christian studies. We recognize God is wanting to do a work within students, and our aim is to help them to see that more clearly, to become passionate about that, and to then equip them to better be able to respond to that.

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Male student preacher in Centennial Chapel
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Areas of Study

Explore the Programs within the School of Theology & Christian Ministry

With several areas of study and numerous degree and certificate options within each area, the School of Theology & Christian Ministry offers the skills and opportunities to shape your future.

Find Your Path at Olivet

Majors, minors, concentrations and areas of study can be overwhelming. Our innovative search feature allows you to choose general areas of interest, and see which ONU program you’d like to explore.

Find Your Interest

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Higher Learning

Theology & Ministry Graduate Programs

Our programs are relevant, current, and designed to meet the needs of the adult learner.

We provide master’s degrees and certificate programs in several areas to help you sharpen your skills and advance your career, all in a convenient, accelerated format.

View Graduate Programs

School of Theology & Christian Ministry Faculty

Meet Dr. Charles Perabeau

Dr. Perabeau is the Dean of the School of Theology & Christian Ministry.

Dr. Perabeau has extensive faculty experience at Drew Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, and for the past sixteen years, at Olivet as a professor of Sociology, where he also served as chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and taught in the University’s Honors Program and Ed.D. program. He is fluent in Spanish, has a passion for international missions, and has led a number of student trips to Latin America.

Meet more School of Theology & Christian Ministry Faculty

Center for Faith & Family

Implementing Faith in the Lives of Families

The Center for Faith & Family (CFF) exists to train, equip and provide resources for parents and caregivers to effectively pass along their faith to their children.

CFF began in 2023 at ONU with grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the planning and implementation of a Christian parenting program. Grant funds will be used over a five-year period to support the development of training and family resources. ONU is one of only 18 organizations to receive grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative in its invitational phase.

Learn more about the Center

“Teaching isn’t for the purpose of data aquisition but for application. If the student doesn’t know how to apply the information, then real teaching has not taken place.”

Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership

Deciding to earn a doctoral degree is a decision to transform your life through academic pursuits, vocational development and spiritual maturation. The faculty and staff at Olivet are committed to your personal and career development as you strive to earn your doctorate.

Learn More

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Where Your Future Begins

We Believe. You Belong Here. Discover why Olivet is a place where faith meets calling. Take the first step today.

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