Credential up with the Pastoral Ministries Second Major! Add the Pastoral Ministries second major to your specialized first major in the School of Theology and Ministry. The courses in this major complement your more focused first major, broadening your preparation for ministry. With a degree is Pastoral Ministry, you’ll be prepared to step into many ministry positions after graduation. You’ll take courses like Homiletics (preaching), Theology and Practice of Christian Worship Design, History of Global Christianity, Principles of Pastoral Counseling and Care, and upper-level Bible and theology courses. See the full list of courses in the academic catalog [hyperlink after 2024 catalog is available].
The Pastoral Ministries second major can be added to any first major [hyperlink to programs list on STM’s landing page] offered in the School of Theology and Ministry. It is not a standalone major. The combination of any STM first major + Pastoral Ministries can be completed in 3 years, meets ordination requirements in The Wesleyan Church, and provides advanced standing in our master’s programs. Students complete a formative application process each year to receive scholarship funding and to help your advisor partner with you in your progress.
The Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program and the Pastoral Ministries Second Major go hand-in-hand. This innovative approach to ministry preparation takes students farther, faster, and with less debt. Admitted students who are interested in the program can contact Dr. Elaine Bernius for more information about the application process.
The Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program is a “3+2” program, which means you can complete your bachelor’s degree in 3 years and Masters of Practical Theology (an MDiv equivalent degree) in 2 years, while receiving and reduced tuition rate for graduate courses. You’ll choose a specialized first major within the School of Theology and Ministry [hyperlink to majors list], add the Pastoral Ministries Second Major, then enter with Masters of Practical Theology program [hyperlink to masters programs list] with advanced standing. Complete in 5 years what would take 7-8 years in other ministry programs!
Students who complete the annual application for the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program receive a designated scholarship during 3 years of undergrad and the first year of master’s, additional scholarship funding in the second year of master’s, and a reduced graduate tuition rate. Students are also eligible for additional merit and need scholarships offered by the School of Theology and Ministry.
Pastoral Ministries (Kern) students also have access to unique professional development opportunities like national ministry conferences, mentoring during the first years of ministry after graduation, and even pre-marital counseling. Students receive scholarship funding and meet regularly with their advisors who are invested in student’s academic and spiritual growth.
As part of the STM community, Pastoral Ministries (Kern) students also benefit from spiritual formation groups, Follow the Call and Deeper Life retreats, and community events.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
The Pastoral Ministries Second Major must be combined with a first major in the School of the Theology and Ministry. It is not a standalone major. Students apply for admission and continuation in the Pastoral Ministries (Kern) Program to be eligible for scholarship funding, and must be accepted to the major in their final year through an application and approval process. Pastoral Ministries students are required to earn a C or higher in these courses for final acceptance to the program: BIL-101, BIL-102, REL-200, REL-270, THE-101 for admission to the program.
In addition to IWU graduation requirements, students must earn a 2.5 minimum GPA in the Pastoral Ministries Second Major. Students must also earn a C or higher in these courses to graduate with the B.S. in Pastoral Ministries: BIL-101, BIL-102, BIL-202, THE-101, THE-233, REL-200, REL-240, REL-270.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
