Central’s pre-ministry major prepares students for many types of Christian ministry and leading graduate programs. Our graduates have become pastors, church education directors, missionaries, teachers and have also entered such fields as law enforcement and political philosophy.
We strongly encourage a ministry internship under a faculty ministry director. This allows students to learn about various types of ministry and how they can develop and refine their individual gifts.
Students also have opportunities to serve in leadership roles with Campus Ministries.
Winter, spring and summer mission trips offer opportunities in Mexico, Malawi, Kentucky, Arizona and the Gulf Coast . We stress critical reflection on the long-term impact of missions on local communities, and we encourage students to acquire wisdom and vision for long-term community development wherever their mission interests may lead.
Although the pre-ministry program is rooted in Central’s Christian heritage, we have a strong comparative religion focus in the religion major, with special emphasis on Islamic studies and Muslim-Christian dialogue. We are proud of the special contribution that the Reformed Church in America has had and continues to have in both medical missions and education in the Middle East.
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you will find. A perfect mix of old and new, our buildings reflect our history and our future. Central's distinctive library is a spacious and popular haven with more than 230,000 volumes, computer stations, a multimedia collection, and extensive online catalog.
Students are encouraged to study abroad with Central College to enhance their development as global citizens. Academic opportunities and internship programs also are available in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Within the department of religion and philosophy, Central offers coursework in Biblical studies, Biblical archaeology, history of the Church, theology, Christian ethics, Christian worship and world religions. Specific seminary and graduate programs have their own requirements, and we advise each student accordingly to make sure he or she is eligible for acceptance.
Pre-ministry majors learn how to prepare materials for education in a local church parish, to preach their first sermons, to organize a complete worship service and to examine the philosophies and practices of various types of ministries.
Students also have opportunities to present their undergraduate scholarship at regional meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion, as well as attend national conferences of academic societies.
Want to find out more about Pre-Ministry at Central? Contact us to learn more about this major and our other strong academic programs.
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