A degree in ministry from Cornerstone University will prepare you to enter the ministry field as a purposeful professional devoted to sharing the story of God’s grace. You will be able to engage the global culture of ministry and remain true to the heart of Christ’s teachings—to love God and love people.
At Cornerstone, we take a holistic approach to ministry training. You’ll be inspired by your professors. You’ll be spiritually fed by your peers striving alongside you. And you’ll be challenged in your own personal time of reflection and worship. All of this will serve you to lead God’s people faithfully in the future.
A calling to ministry is no small thing. It takes a heart that is willing to open up and pour out love to those who need it. It takes a spirit willing to take on challenges of any size. And it takes a level of tenacity that most people only dream of achieving. Your professors and peers in the ministry program will stand by you and prepare you for a future of purpose. You will receive sound biblical training, comprehensive cultural studies and meaningful communication skills to forge your future in the mission field.
Careers
Our graduates find themselves all across the globe serving the body of Christ, and no ministry is too large or too small to benefit from their insight. Alumni of the ministry program find themselves among diverse church and parachurch ministries, where they serve faithfully and wholeheartedly.
Opportunities
Urban and suburban parachurch organizations
Seminary or theological studies
Church-based children's, youth and young adult ministries
After hours tutoring programs
Homeless ministries
Sports ministry
Camping ministries
Internships
To prepare you for a life of ministry, your student internship will provide you with valuable experience and insight into how ministries of varying sizes operate. Cornerstone has partnered with churches, camps and global missions to provide students with these beneficial opportunities.
Opportunities
Berkley Hills Church
Crossroads Bible Church
West Michigan Youth for Christ
Ada Bible Church
Matthews House
Urban Family Ministries
100%
Of Bible, Religion & Ministry Divison graduates from the class of 2018 were employed, continuing their education or choosing to volunteer at local organizations within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
100%
Of students take part in an internship or practicum at a company or organization related to their field of study.
Striving Together For a Common Goal
At Cornerstone, you’ll not only receive a rigorous education. You’ll be supported spiritually by your professors and peers to help you face challenges of all sizes. You will learn more about your Creator than you ever thought possible. And you will cultivate your soul to be open to loving and serving all of God’s people.
Program Features and Learning Outcomes
The ministry program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.
Off-Campus Study Opportunities
One of our most popular off-campus study experiences for ministry students is our Israel trip. During this trip, you will have the opportunity to earn class credit and spend 12 days walking through the Scripture in immersive and tangible ways.
Advanced Standing at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Ministry majors have the opportunity to qualify for advanced standing at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. This gives you the option to apply up to 24 of your bachelor’s degree credits towards a master’s degree in divinity, ministry, biblical studies or counseling. This is a useful way to complete up to 25% of your master’s degree before graduating from Cornerstone.
Program Learning Outcomes
The ministry program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.
Specialized Knowledge
Learn the foundational theories that facilitate competent, creative and compassionate diverse ministry.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories specific to human development.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories specific to learning processes.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories specific to relational engagement.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories specific to counseling.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories specific to leadership.
Know biblical and theological constructs required in the biblical studies minor.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Conduct ministry opportunities for specific cultural ministry contexts framed by the ministry’s specialized knowledge.
After observing and identifying ministry contexts, be able to adapt and implement appropriate ministry models, methods and theories.
Develop a plan/practice of moving toward personal, spiritual and emotional health for ministry.
Intellectual Skills
Demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Learning
Demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
The Bible professors at CU challenged me to figure out what I believe and why I believe in the context of theological issues. In both my personal life and spiritual life, I grew immensely.
Regan Billings (’16)
Related Programs
Cornerstone offers a variety of Bible, religion and ministry programs. Discover how God wants to use your gifts in one of our ministry-related programs.