Why Major in Christian Leadership?
Studying Christian Leadership at Belmont means having access to a wide range of churches and Christian organizations right in your backyard. From home and pocket churches to megachurches, from traditional to nontraditional worship styles and everything in between, Nashville offers every type of church structure, giving you ample opportunity to experience a variety of religious expressions.
Nashville is also home to a number of thriving industries—like healthcare, religious publishing and ample nonprofits and social entrepreneurship efforts— that work closely with churches and Christian organizations.
Whether you want to work in the church or in support of it, you’ll find ample opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom in the diverse local community of Nashville.
What You'll Learn
- Learn about the practicalities of working in complex systems such as the local church and non-profit organizations.
- Explore the depths of biblical studies in the old and new testaments.
- Learn about many different styles and approaches to constructing and preaching a sermon.
- Learn how to engage theology in a diverse environment with peers from various demographics.
- Learn about managing a team of employees/volunteers.
- Learn about the application of interpretation in different contexts and conversations.
- Learn how to administer care to those experiencing the hardships of life.
Career Possibilities
- Pastor/Minister
- Youth Pastor/Minister
- College Pastor/Minister
- Non-profit/Church Administrator
- Volunteer/Employee Manager
- Public Speaker
- Author
Program Details
Curriculum
The Christian Leadership major leads to a bachelor of arts. It requires 128 hours of coursework.
- BELL Core requirements: 52 hours
- Major requirement including religion core and area of emphasis: 36 hours
- Minor requirements: 18 hours
- General electives: 16 hours
Courses You'll Take
REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical MethodsAn advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.
REL 2350, Christian DoctrineA study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian LifeAn introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing and personal development.
REL 2410, Spiritual FormationAn emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God.
REL 2510, Christian EthicsAn introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
REL 3310, Church History I or REL 3320, Church History IIREL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras
A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion MajorsA colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
World Religions (choose one course)REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions
A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.
REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions
This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam.
REL 4590 World Religions
A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans.
Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course
REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church: Practice of MinistryA course designed to develop practical leadership skills for Christian ministry including time and money management, interpersonal relationships, decision making, leadership style, planning, organizing and directing.
REL 3430, Pastoral Care: Practice of MinistryA course designed to create practical skills in ministry under professional supervision, including hospital visitation, a pastoral internship and exposure to denominational agencies.
REL 3460, Worship and Preaching: Practice of MinistryA study of worship as the rehearsal of the acts of God by a believing community. Attention is given to the principles of preaching as part of worship.
REL 4410, Servant LeadershipExploration of current leadership theories and their application to the Christian Leadership environment. Particular attention given to the transformational aspects of servant leadership.
Student Testimonial
Casey Cox
"The College of Theology and Christian Ministry has definitely set me up well for working in the church. I've been able to develop pastoral skills like preaching, soul care and leading people, but I've also been exposed to real-world conversations and topics brought into the classroom environment."
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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Danielle Walden
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8340