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Missional Ministries Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a missional ministries major, you’ll learn to use your compassion and skills to disciple others.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Missional Ministries, you’ll develop the skills to effectively advance God’s kingdom and serve others. You’ll be equipped to serve youth, start your own ministry, pursue pastoral ministry, work for nonprofits, build communities, run camp programs, or work in other discipleship settings. No matter your career goals, you’ll be equipped to reach your full potential to go into the world and serve.

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Why should I study missional ministries at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Beyond biblical knowledge, you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation as you integrate your faith into everything you do.

  • Flexibility
    The missional ministries degree course requirements are flexible, allowing you the opportunity to combine your passion for advancing God’s mission with other disciplines as second majors or minors.

  • A vibrant community
    You’ll learn in a dynamic academic department where you’ll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through informal gatherings, tutoring services, and teaching assistantships.

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Professor passionately teaching a lesson on the book of Revelation.
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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in missional ministries, you’ll gain global perspectives of theological ideals—not just Western thought. And you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. 

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Biblical competence

You’ll learn to interpret and discern Scripture—within today’s culture—to more effectively advance the Gospel.

Leadership

You’ll become attentive to the issues affecting Christian thought today and gain the skills needed to capably and knowledgeably lead others in a ministry, church—or anywhere.

Skills for any career

As you develop strong ethical, analytical, and philosophical thinking skills, you'll also hone your writing and research skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

Bring Scripture and theology to life by experiencing first-hand ways to live out your faith in the midst of a broken world by studying in places like Israel, Turkey, Greece, Ireland, or Cambodia. You’ll have opportunities to study abroad over a full semester, January, spring break, or summer.

Ministry opportunities

Jump into a variety of ministry-related activities like facilitating dorm Bible studies; leadership in student ministries; internships at local churches; participation in missions trips, community outreaches like Twin Cities Outreach; and much more through the Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations.

Spiritual transformation

You’ll be mentored and guided by experienced professors with a heart for God’s Word who will invest in your success. And you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation as you explore God’s calling for your life.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with a missional ministries degree?

By majoring in missional ministries studies, you’ll learn to live as salt and light, passionate about advancing the Gospel in effective and compassionate ways. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Ministry

You’ll be ready to serve youth, start your own ministry, pursue pastoral ministry, work for nonprofits, build communities, run camp programs, or work in other discipleship settings. This major pairs well with a biblical and theological studies major.

Education

If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair a missional ministries major with an education degree. You can also pursue a graduate degree in teaching or doctoral programs to become a principal or administrator.

Business

Honing ethical leadership skills, you can pursue your call to disciple others and apply it in numerous career paths in business and communications.

Skills for any field

With strong writing and research skills, you’ll be equipped to apply your background to almost any field, including healthcare and counseling, journalism, consulting, missions, communications, and more. 

Graduate school

You’ll build a strong foundation and be prepared to continue your education in seminary or graduate school.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside professors who are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.

Department of Biblical & Theological Studies


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 356

Contact

Erik Leafblad

Michael Holmes

Erik Leafblad

Erik Leafblad

Assistant Professor of Missional Ministries

Bio >

James K. Beilby

James K. Beilby

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

Paul Eddy

Paul Eddy

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

Victor Ezigbo

Victor Ezigbo

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

Kaz Hayashi

Kaz Hayashi

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez

Professor of Biblical Studies

Bio >

Catherine Wright

Catherine Wright

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

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Dale Durie

Adjunct Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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John Potts

John Potts

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Bio >

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Gloria Wiese

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Carissa Wyant

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Peter Kapsner

Peter Kapsner

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Donald Alexander

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

Bio >

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Pamela Erwin

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita

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John Herzog

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

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Michael Holmes

Michael Holmes

University Professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity Emeritus

Bio >

Karen McKinney

Karen McKinney

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita

Bio >

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Carl Rasmussen

Professor of Old Testament Emeritus

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150

students in the department

8

full-time professors in the department

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements