Christian Studies, minor

Christian Studies, minor

Program Overview

Do you desire to have a deeper understanding of ministry in a variety of contexts? Do want to be an informed Christian leader, whether or not you feel called to full-time ministry? If so, pursuing a Christian studies minor, combined with any number of majors, will give you greater insight into the Christian faith while pursuing your passion for meaningful work.

A minor in Christian studies at PLNU is designed for students who are looking to incorporate a foundational understanding of Christian ministry, Scripture, and theology into their major; who envision working in a church or ministry setting; or who simply desire personal enrichment. You will acquire valuable skills in teaching and discipleship, learning to applying the knowledge you glean both from the Bible and from your professors to your daily life. Whether your dreams lie in ministry, law, education, the nonprofit world, or anywhere else, these skills will prepare you for leadership and an ever-growing faith.

From Study to Service

Meeting the Moment: Judith Hernandez’s Journey to Becoming a Confident Ministry Leader
Is Adding a Minor to Your Degree Worth It?

Purse a Life of Impact: Study Christian Leadership and Ministry

Videos (4)
Articles (15)
Meeting the Moment: Judith Hernandez’s Journey to Becoming a Confident Ministry Leader For as long as she can remember, Judith Hernandez knew she belonged at PLNU. Discover
Is Adding a Minor to Your Degree Worth It? Learn more about college minors, how to add a minor to your degree, and how future employers see value in adding a college minor to your degree. Discover
How Learning About Moral Injury Can Change How We Read the Bible In his new book, Dr. Brad Kelle shares how the concept of moral injury can influence how we read the Bible. Discover
9 Essential Spiritual Disciplines for the Ministry Student Spiritual disciplines are one of the main ways Christians can pursue spiritual formation. Here are 9 disciplines ministry students can practice to get closer to God. Discover
Kara Lyons-Pardue: A Woman’s Journey to Educational Ministry Kara Lyons-Pardue’s upbringing and experiences are reflected in the ways she teaches students to engage with Scripture in deep, fulfilling, and curiosity-filled ways. Discover
Christian Studies Class Explores Important Role of Women in the Church Learn about the PLNU School of Theology and Christian Ministry’s course on the history of women in the church. Discover
A Historical Tour of PLNU’s Stained Glass Windows Dr. David Strawn’s stained glass windows have graced PLNU’s campus for decades, and bless generations of students each time they pass by. Discover
2025 Distinguished Achievement Awards: Reverend Steve Scott Reverend Steve Scott (’77, ’80) devoted his life to ministry and mentorship, earning PLNU’s 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award. Discover
Derrick Thames Brews Connection at BLEND Coffee in Dundee Derrick Thames’ Scotland-based coffee shop has all of the sustainable practices of a high-end roastery with one notable difference: it’s also where Thames preaches. Discover
Spiritual Practices: A Guide to Growth Through Daily Rhythms Finding ways to connect to faith community and God are important rhythms in our lives. Check out this guide to daily spiritual practices. Discover
Vocation vs. Profession: What’s the Difference? Ever wondered about the difference between vocation and profession? Learn what is a vocation, what is a profession and how to choose a career based on both. Discover
Integrating Technology in Ministry: Adapting for the Digital Age Integrating technology in ministry can help boost ministry opportunities in the digital age, allowing for greater reach and impact in church ministry. Discover
Should I Major in Religious Studies or Philosophy? Explore the similarities and differences between the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy majors at PLNU. Discover
Reclaiming Sabbath We are stressed out, time-strapped people, living in a world that is filled with suffering and injustice. Perhaps unexpectedly, one aid to improving the psychological health of individuals and health of our communities and world may be the commandment least attended to by modern-day Christians: keeping the Sabbath. Discover
Losing Sabbath Discover
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Course List

For information about the courses required for the Christian Studies, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

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Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

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Career Opportunities

In addition to examining the core elements of Christian faith, you will also learn practical skills in teaching and discipleship that will serve you in a variety of careers. Christian studies minors at PLNU cultivate these abilities in a Christian context that nurtures their intellectual and spiritual lives and equips them to be reasoned and ethical leaders.

A minor in Christian studies can be a useful and natural complement within a variety of careers and industries, including:

  • Ministry
  • Domestic or International Law
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Domestic or International Business
  • Teaching
  • Nonprofit Organization
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Department Faculty

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Get Involved

Polkinghorne, an older man, speaks from a podium to community in Crill Hall at PLNU

H. Orton Wiley Lecture Series

Do you enjoy intelligent discourse on subjects relevant to Christian life and ministry? The H. Orton Wiley Lecture series engages and enriches students.

A group of students sit in a living room and have class as part of the community classroom experience

Community Classroom

Do you have a desire to serve or work in a multicultural or cross-cultural setting? If so, you should take advantage of Community Classroom.

A female student leaving first chapel of the year

Theology and Christian Ministry School-Specific Scholarships

Are you called to serve in ministry, but concerned about the cost? PLNU understands this concern and aims to support the next generation of ministers.