Quentin P. Kinnison, Ph.D.
Explore Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A.
What’s possible when you pursue God’s calling on your life?
Ministry.
Christian ministry is living out the Gospel. At Fresno Pacific, you’ll gain both biblical knowledge and practical skills for ministry – whether that’s in a church, parachurch or nonprofit organization
Dive deep into scripture, learn to resolve conflict in pursuit of Shalom, and develop practices for personal spiritual formation.
Faculty with expertise in theology and a broad range of ministry experience will challenge you to think biblically about Jesus and His Kingdom. You’ll gain both practical and theoretical knowledge through classroom work, research, and an integrated internship with a community church or parachurch agency.
Through biblical study, you’ll be equipped to pursue your vocation in ministry.
Program Highlights
- Engage diverse classmates from a variety of life stages and cultural backgrounds
- Study under experienced faculty and who assign relevant coursework
- Gain hands-on experience with an integrated internship
- Receive help in identifying your calling from faculty mentors
- Bridge to Ministry pathway and scholarship opportunity offered to first-time freshmen
Upcoming Events
Yes! Tell Me More!
Faculty
Catalog
Program Director: Darren Duerksen, Ph.D.
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership is designed for both traditional undergraduate and adult accelerated or degree completion program students currently in or preparing for Christian ministry. In this program students will be challenged to think biblically about Jesus and his Kingdom in relation to the larger world, cultivate personal spiritual formation, enhance competencies in ministry skills, and engage real-life ministry contexts.
The major consists of three learning components: course work, spiritual formations, and applied learning in an internship. The course work component consists of classroom experiences designed to address the unique and ongoing challenge of Christian ministry. Classes generally meet one night a week. In addition, there are a few courses that will be online and most courses will have an online component, so some computer literacy is important. The spiritual formation component consists of courses designed to run throughout the semester, concurrent with other courses, with a retreat component at the conclusion of the semester. An internship component is integrated into the program and provides students with hands-on experience and integrated reflection. The internship also usually culminates with a retreat component at the end of each semester.
The Christian Ministry and Leadership program exists to equip students with knowledge, skills, and personal development so that they can love what God loves through a life of vocational ministry. Love what God loves by equipping yourself to join God's mission through a life of vocational ministry.
Admissions Requirements
See the Admission Policies and Requirements section of the catalog for further information on admission requirements to the university.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
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Demonstrate a basic knowledge of biblical theology including foundational principles of biblical interpretation and a relevant, contemporary theology of the church.
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Perform skills in Christian leadership, practical programming, communication (written and oral), pastoral ministries and the practice of hospitality as a Christian imperative.
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Interpret issues of personal nature, calling, and formation.
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Develop proficiency and explore calling through an internship experience ministry such as youth, worship, or children's ministry.
Credit-Bearing Grades
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of biblical theology including foundational principles of biblical interpretation and a relevant, contemporary theology of the church.
Perform skills in Christian leadership, practical programming, communication (written and oral), pastoral ministries and the practice of hospitality as a Christian imperative.
Interpret issues of personal nature, calling, and formation.
Develop proficiency and explore calling through an internship experience ministry such as youth, worship, or children's ministry.
Students must earn a C- or higher to receive credit for their Christian Ministry and Leadership courses. Exceptions: Students may receive credit for any other general education or elective course, with a D -.
Program Length/Semester Starts
This is a scheduled, 24-month cohort program. New students may be added to a cohort at the beginning of each semester (January and August).
Locations Offered
Fresno Main Campus
Degree Pathways
Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. Three Year Pathway
Christian Ministry and Leadership, B.A. ADT Pathway
Required Courses (47 units)
The following units must be earned at Fresno Pacific University:
- BIB 428 - Biblical Theology Credits 3
- BLIT/BIB Course Credits 3 *
- MGT 362 - Nonprofit Management Credits 3 **
**ACCT 301 may be be considered as a substitute in consultation with the program director.
- MIN 310 - Perspectives on Mission and Ministry Credits 2
- MIN 330 - Disability Ministry Concepts Credits 3
- MIN 360 - The Church in an Urban World Credits 2
- MIN 376 - Current Practices in Evangelism and Discipleship Credits 2
- MIN 378 - Worship Ministries Concepts Credits 2
- MIN 392 - Biblical Interpretation and Teaching Credits 2
- MIN 397 - Spiritual Formation: Perils, Pitfalls and Potential of Ministry Credits 2
- MIN 398 - Spiritual Formation: Cultivating a Prayerful Heart Credits 2
- MIN 399 - Spiritual Formation: Taking Care of the Inner Life Credits 2
- MIN 450 - Leadership in Ministry Credits 2
- MIN 470 - Pastoral Ministries Credits 2
- REL 455 - Christians and Religious Neighbors Credits 3
- THEO 300 - Introduction to Theology and Ethics Credits 3
- THEO 465 - Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking Credits 3 ***
*** COM 420 may be considered as a substitute for THEO 465 in consultation with the program director.
* excludes BIB 100/300/314
Christian Ministry & Leadership Internship Series (6 units total)
CML Internship (MIN 482 & MIN 483 series) may be completed by either 3 semesters of 2 units (preferred for adult accelerated students) or 2 summers at 3 units with the program director's approval. Students take MIN 482 in the semesters leading to their final semester and MIN 483 in their final semester.
- MIN 482 - Christian Ministry and Leadership Internship - Integration Credits 2-3
- MIN 483 - Christian Ministry and Leadership Internship - Summative Credits 2-3
Electives
Elective units as needed to meet the Bachelor of Arts minimums. This requirement may be met through allowable college coursework, Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, and Military or ACE credit.
Lower Division Major Requirements
For more information on General Education requirements, please see: General Education
All students in the major are required to take the necessary general education courses in addition to those outlined in the major. Students in the Christian Ministry and Leadership program (both traditional and adult accelerated or degree completion) are required to complete BIB-100/300/314 and a BLIT course.
Students who have not completed the foreign language requirement are encouraged to take either the Biblical Hebrew or Classic Greek to complete this GE requirement.
Bridge to Ministry Pathway
First-time freshman, including those with transfer units, should consider the Bridge to Ministry Accelerated Pastoral Degree Pathway as a way to earn your bachelor's and master's in five years total (three years for the BA and two years for the MA). This includes $1,500 in scholarship money for qualifiying students. For more information on the Bridge to Ministry pathway, click here . Students may apply here.
Advanced Standing at FPU Biblical Seminary
Students who graduate from the CML program and meet all appropriate academic standards, may be eligible to receive Advanced Standing to the FPU Biblical Seminary master's programs in ministry and divinity, or have courses waived for other programs. Students must pass the following undergraduate classes with a B or better to be eligible for Advanced Standing with admission to the FPU Biblical Seminary:
BIB 100/300 | MIN 397 |
BLIT 301-499 | MIN 398 |
MIN 360 | MIN 399 |
MIN 378 | MIN 470 |
MIN 392 | REL 455 |
Please see Advanced Standing policy and application process or contact Seminary Admission for more information.
Three-year Degree Option
This academic program is available as a 3-year bachelor's degree or as a standard 4-year bachelor’s degree. View more information about the 3-year option.
Sample Curriculum Map
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in 3 years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Year 1
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB-100 | Jesus and the Christian Community | 3 |
COM-110 | Written Communication | 3 |
CP-152 | First-Year Seminar | 0 |
HIST-120 | Ancient Civilization | 4 |
Humanities GE 1 | 3 | |
Social Science GE 1 | 3 |
Total units: 16
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
HIST-130 | Medieval and Early Modern Civilization | 4 |
COM-120 | Oral Communication | 3 |
CP-152 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Humanities GE 2 | 3 | |
Science | 3 | |
Social Science | 3 |
Total units: 17
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
KIN-120 | Concepts of Wellness | 3 |
Total units: 3
Year 2
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
HIST-140 | Modern Civilization | 4 |
MIN-310 | Perspectives in Mission and Ministry | 2 |
MIN-430 | Church in an Urban World | 2 |
MIN-450 | Leadership for Ministry | 2 |
THEO-300 | Theology and Ethics | 3 |
Science | Lab 4 | |
Physical Education | 1 |
Total units: 18
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN-376 | Current Practices in Evang/Disc | 2 |
MIN-397 | Spiritual Formation 1 | 2 |
MIN-470 | Pastoral Ministries | 2 |
REL-455 | Christians and Religious Neighbors | 3 |
Electives | 9 |
Total units: 18
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BLIT | Biblical Literature Elective | 3 |
MIN-483 | Christian Ministry and Leadership - Internship | 3 |
Total units: 6
Year 3
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN-398 | Spiritual Formation 2 | 2 |
COM-420 | Conflict Management and Resolution | 3 |
MIN-330 | Disability Ministry Concepts | 3 |
MATH-120 | Principles of Math | 3 |
Electives | 6 |
Total units: 17
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MIN-399 | Spiritual Formation 3 | 2 |
BIB-428 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
MIN-378 | Worship Ministry Concepts | 2 |
MIN-392 | Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | 2 |
Electives | 9 |
Total units: 18
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ACCT-301 | Accounting for Managers | 3 |
MIN-483 | Christian Ministry and Leadership - Internship | 3 |
Total units: 6
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
- Recommended High School Courses for Admission
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- 4 years of college preparatory English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
- 2 years of social studies
- 1 year of laboratory science
- 1 year of performing art
- 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
- Things to Keep in Mind
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Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
Non-traditional Admission
- Steps for Re-application
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For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
- Fill out the re-application form
- Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
- Steps for Re-admission
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Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
- Fill out the re-admission form
- Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
- Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
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Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
- Personal essays are not required
- Auditing a class
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Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
- Personal essays are not required
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
- Incoming requirements
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This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
- Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
- This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
- The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
- Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
- The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
- Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
- Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
- Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
- Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
- Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
- Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
- Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
- Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
- 2023-2024
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960 Student body fee $598 Total Tuition and Fees $35,548 Room $5,018 Board $5,130 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,248 Summer Session $500 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2022-2023
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614 Student body fee $574 Total Tuition and Fees $34,188 Room and Board $8,884 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,218 Summer Session $400 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2021-2022
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954 Student body fee $498 Total Tuition and Fees $33,452 Room and Board $8,710 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,177 Summer Session $300 Private Music Instruction $400
Room & Board Rates
Freshman / Sophomore Housing
Module* Fall Spring Modules $4,313 $4,313 Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 * Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring Room only $2,068 $2,068 Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719 Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276 Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400 Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694 Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345 Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902 Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026 Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306 Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958 Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514 Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639 Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring 70 Block $651 $651 140 Block $1,208 $1,208 Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332 * Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
- For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
- Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
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Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
Name | Amount |
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Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
You'll be prepared for a range of employment opportunities in either church or parachurch organizations. Our graduates have gone on to work locally as pastors and with organizations like Youth for Christ and Young Life, and abroad as missionaries and ministers. This major will also prepare you for seminary or graduate study.
Possible Careers
- Pastor
- Teacher
- Children’s minister
- Youth minister
- Camp ministry leader
- Relief ministry leader
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more