The Highest Calling
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Pastoral Ministry has been approved by the Course of Study Advisory Committee to meet the education requirements for ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene, and is ideal for those students called to pursue full-time ministry in the church, or those choosing to pursue continued studies beyond the undergraduate.
Few careers require as much flexibility and versatility as a career in pastoral ministry. Pastors are administrators, trainers, negotiators, counselors, teachers, preachers, communicators, researchers, and servants. Olivet prepares students who are preparing to follow God’s call to pastoral ministry.
Serving as a pastor is more than preaching a message on Sunday morning. Pastors are called to walk with people through their best and worst experiences — as well as encourage them to grow in their faith during routine sameness of life. Pastors are key leaders in communities, and become the role model for Christian leadership.
The rewards of pastoral ministry far outweigh the challenges. Community ministry experience and a full summer internship are part of the degree requirements. In the final year, students are assigned to a church for ministry with a staff or neighboring pastor as your mentor, and take classes on campus and complete a final project.
