Bachelor of Science: Biblical Studies & Church Ministry – Youth & Family Ministry Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies & Church Ministry: Youth & Family Ministry Concentration is a 120-hour degree that prepares men and women in Bible/Theology and Local Church Ministry with a concentration in Youth & Family Ministry.

Class Type

Seated, Traditional 15-week Semesters

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Next Start Date

August 11th, 2025

Accreditation

Mission University is accredited by HLC and ABHE

Credit Hours

Months (avg)

Career Outlooks

Career Opportunities for Bachelor of Science in Church Ministry: Family Ministry Concentration

  • Youth Pastor
  • Children’s Pastor
  • Family Pastor
  • Associate Pastor
  • Camp Administration and Ministry
  • Para Church Ministries
  • Cross Cultural Ministry
  • Senior Pastor
  • Church Planter
  • Executive Pastor
  • Campus Pastor
  • Biblical Counselor
  • Teacher
  • Author
  • Disaster Relief Coordinator
  • Denominational Office
  • Social / Human Services Worker
  • Children’s Ministry Director
  • Ministry Assistant
  • Women’s Ministry Teacher
Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies & Church Ministry, students will be able to:

1. Articulate a knowledge of biblical texts and a clear explanation of systematic theology consistent with Baptist distinctives. (ILO1)

2. Identify the stages of spiritual development with application to interpersonal relationships. (ILO 3)

3. Exegete and apply a biblical text to a sermon and/or lesson delivered with oral clarity and contemporary relevance. (ILO 1)

4. Demonstrate an understanding of church administration and local church leadership. (ILO 1)

5. Formulate a philosophy of life and ministry which demonstrates a commitment to Christ-like character. (ILO 2)

Program Mission

The mission of the Youth & Family Ministry Concentration is to equip its graduates with the skills necessary for effective leadership in a local church and/or parachurch ministry specializing in youth and family ministries.

Why Choose Mission U?

At Mission University, we have been training effective Christian leaders since 1950. Mission U alumni are impacting the world all over the globe, and we strive for excellence in all that we do. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing your degree with us:

  • Mission University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). You can rest assured that you’re earning your degree from an institution that has met rigorous accreditation standards and will be well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Our faculty have years of practical, real-life experience in ministry pastoring churches, running ministries, doing intercultural work abroad, and more. They are excited to share what they’ve learned with you.
  • Each of your courses is taught from an evangelical Christian perspective – so whether it’s a leadership, communication, science, or history course – biblical principles and weekly devotions will be incorporated into your studies.

Degree Plan

General Studies (30 hours)

GSCE 141 – English Grammar and Composition3
GSCE 142 – English Composition and Research3
GSCS 200 – Public Speaking3
BSMI 121 – Biblical Foundations for Global Outreach3
GSBP 212 – General Psychology3
GSSH 133 – Christian Worldview in Contemporary Culture3
GSSH 241 – Church History I: Early Church – Dark Ages3
GSSH 242 – Church History II: Reformation – Today3
GSNS 110 – Origins Science3
PSBU 136 – Personal Finance3

Bible/Theology Core (39 hours)

BSEB 103 – Old Testament Survey 13
BSEB 104 – Old Testament Survey 23
BSEB 111 – Life of Christ3
BSEB 112 – Life of Paul3
BSEB 213 – New Testament Survey3
BSEB 224 – Hermeneutics3
BSEB 325 – Advanced Hermeneutics3
BSEB 341 – Romans3
BSST 233 – Theology 13
BSST 234 – Theology 23
BSST 333 – Theology 33
BSST 334 – Theology 43
BSST 441 – Apologetics3

Church Ministry (33 hours)

BSCM 200 – Personal Evangelism & Discipleship3
BSCM 310 – Preaching & Teaching Methods3
BSCM 315 – Preaching & Teaching Workshop3
BSCM 324 – Local Church Worship, Music, and Media3
BSCM 333 – Local Church Communications3
BSCM 334 – Local Church Business3
BSCM 438 – Local Church Missions3
BSCM 463 – Local Church Counseling3
BSCM 475 – Local Church Internship3
Bible/Theology OR Church Ministry Elective3
Bible/Theology OR Church Ministry Elective3

Youth & Family Ministry Concentration (18 hours)

BSBC 344 – Marriage & Family Counseling3
BSBC 403 – Counseling Youth3
BSCM 111 – Introduction to Church Ministry3
BSCM 343 – Student Discipleship3
BSCM 350 – Family Discipleship3
Youth & Family Elective3

Total (120 hours)

Comments:

All ministry students are required to complete a missions trip and local church internship as part of the degree program and graduation requirements.

Department Head

Botts, David

DAVID BOTTS

David has served in some teaching role at Mission University since 2012. He is responsible for teaching all theology classes at Mission U and has a desire to see students see how theology affects their everyday lives. In addition to teaching theology, David serves as the department chair for the Bibical Studies & Church Ministries: Youth & Family Concentration. He loves helping students discover how to serve effectively in the local church as a staff member or staff pastor.

Education: BA, Mission University, 2012; MABS, Baptist Bible Theological Seminary, 2015; M.Div., Baptist Bible Theological Seminary, 2016; Ph.D. Systematic Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, ABD.
Local Church: Crossway Baptist Church (MO)
Website: bookswithbotts.com

Student Spotlight

Jacob Stephens (Class of 19')

Jacob Stephens (Class of 19')

“I chose the youth ministry side of this degree because with me not growing up in church, I felt a real burden for kids that have experienced the same things I have. So, being able to study and learn more about ministry in that aspect was an easy choice! Coming to Mission University has allowed countless professors, staff, church leaders, and friends that I’ve made here pour into me and push me closer to my walk with Christ and what God wants to do in my life.”

Admission Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Completed Mission University application
  • Official high school transcript showing the graduation date, or GED certificate.
  • Official transcript from all previous colleges or universities attended (if applicable).
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA waiver form.
  • Completed Mission University financial check-in documents.