Fast-tracking with a 3+2 ministry degree pathway

As a senior in high school, Olivia March ’25 knew she wanted to pursue a ministry degree—at some point. Thanks to Ministry Scholars, Bethel’s accelerated ministry degree program, it’s happening sooner rather than later. The program initially began in 2017 and gave undergraduate students a chance to receive advanced standing for undergraduate courses in place of seminary courses. Last fall, however, Ministry Scholars was revamped so students like March could actually take seminary classes that count toward both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously, saving both time and money. Both degrees can now be completed in just five years.

As a first-year student, March began taking classes for a missional ministries major, along with communication studies and biblical and theological studies minors. After graduating in May, she’ll pursue her master’s in children’s, youth, and family ministry at Bethel Seminary. 

She is one of nine students currently in the program and already gleaning the benefits of being surrounded by others wanting to go into some form of ministry. “It’s awesome for those wanting to pursue ministry as a vocation. It can help prepare students for the next step in their journey, which is attending seminary and attaining a master's degree,” says Bryce Johnson ’12, S’16, director of the Ministry Scholars program. “Having a seminary education can help position students best to not only get a job but also be prepared for whatever ministry they move into spiritually."

In addition to classroom experiences, the program offers a unique collection of co-curricular opportunities to build students’ networks, expose them to a wide variety of ministry settings, and help them discern God’s unique calling for their lives. These include discipleship opportunities and retreats. “I’ve loved the opportunity on retreats to talk about ministry calling and theology, and then to have fun with classmates and our advisor,” says March, who has been on three retreats. “We also sometimes grab a meal together on or off campus as a group, which is another great opportunity to talk about our callings.” 

These conversations are an important part of the program. “The journey into vocational ministry takes a good amount of discernment. We seek to process together some of the conversations that don't happen in the classroom,” says Johnson. “Talking with students in their early phase of vocational discernment is one of my favorite things. God has a big mission, and there are many roles we can play in this partnership.”

Additionally, students in the program have the opportunity to intern with local churches and nonprofit organizations to gain real-world experience in ministry settings and build their professional networks. March has interned in youth ministry at City Church in Minneapolis and is currently interning in the disability ministry at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota.  She’s also volunteered in the kids’ ministry at Mill City Church in Minneapolis and been a Young Life Capernaum leader.

Another ministry scholar, Eli Anderson ’25 transferred to Bethel his freshman year and will graduate in May with a biblical and theological studies major. He intends to go into youth ministry. To students considering the program, he says: “I would recommend it! It connects you with other students who have similar aims, and further enables you to pursue your calling through various avenues, whether that be education, or other methods.” After graduation, he’ll pursue his master of divinity at Bethel Seminary. 

The revamped program is designed to better support students still figuring out their unique ministry calling. “The local church and ministries have unique challenges in raising the next generation of leaders. There aren't mentors and leaders asking for a young 20-something to follow them in their ministry to learn from them for several years before taking over their role,” says Johnson. “Bethel is a huge help in this development. Staff and faculty are key to making disciples who make disciples. We hope this program helps bring it all together so that each student can take their next step with God’s discernment.

Start your 3+2 ministry pathway

Whether you want to major in missional ministries, business, or education, the Ministry Scholars program offers you a pathway to complete your undergraduate degree and advance to a Bethel Seminary degree while saving time and money. You’ll discern God’s unique calling for your life and step into ministry ready for success. 

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