ACADEMICS

B.A. Children and Family Ministry

At Hope, Children and Family Ministry students learn how to create programs that nurture and challenge children to spiritual growth and how to serve under or alongside church pastoral staff. Practical skills such as mission and vision development, budget management, empowering parents, facilities management, and developing a team serve to craft a strong foundation for each graduate.

Coupled with a Bible-based curriculum, this program teaches students to appreciate cultural, technological, psychosocial, and developmental trends that will affect their work regardless of their setting. Graduates will have a solid foundation for ministry in the local church, para-church ministries, as well as preparation for graduate studies in a variety of theological and ministry related fields.

The B.A. in Children and Family Ministry program is 126 units.

 

Optional Dual Major

  • Youth/Children and Family Ministry major

Career Opportunities

  • Children’s Pastor
  • Children’s Ministry Age-group Coordinator
  • Children’s Ministry Teacher
  • Family Pastor
  • Camp Director

Career resources

Interesting Courses

  • Ministry To Children
  • Children’s Ministry Trends and Programs
  • Creative Teaching and Curriculum Development
  • Field Practicum

Real World Opportunities

Students in the Children and Family Ministry major are required to do a minimum of three semesters of internship in a children or family ministry setting. There are wonderful opportunities to work with and network with a variety of professionals in the field of children or family ministry and numerous internship opportunities available in local church settings. Students are encouraged to be involved in ministry during their degree program to help facilitate real life application.

 

Featured Student

Photo - Brett Dally

Brett Dally
Children & Family Ministry Major

"Hope International University has had an incredible impact on my life. It has shaped who I am, my faith, and my dream to reach out in ministry to families. From the moment I stepped onto the campus I began to receive encouragement, grow in self-confidence, and start to imagine how I could reach out to people the way that Jesus did. I have always felt an enormous amount of support from the professors, staff, and my peers. This gracious environment of acceptance has help create who I am in Christ and what I hope to do with the rest of my life."

Featured Student

Rachel Ames
Children & Family Ministry Major

"One of my favorite things about the Children & Family Ministry major is that it’s not just theoretical learning. We are out there doing the work that we want to do, while learning practical lessons and gaining wisdom from people’s life experiences. The Practicum (internship) program was one of the best aspects of the program so far. It gave me hands-on training and experience that will able to my future career."

Featured Student

Joe Gee
Children & Family Ministry Major

"My classes have been highly beneficial because I use the skills learned every day in ministry and in life. Professor Alley has given me the resources and direction to last a lifetime as a children's pastor. He has helped me grow in my trust of the Lord and to fearlessly seek to apply the skills He has given me."

Our Alumni Tell Our Story Best

Photo - Kari Turner

Kari Turner
B.A. Children & Family Ministry '08

"The professors in the Church ministry department so wanted to see me succeed. They were so approachable and truly cared about me as a person. My professors guided me where I might not have gone on my own."

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