Why Major in Christian Leadership?
Studying Christian Leadership at Belmont equips you to serve in a wide variety of contexts. Our program trains you to think deeply about leadership, offers you valuable practical experience, and provides you an opportunity to explore your gifts and calling.
Nashville is home to a vast network of ministries and non-profit organizations that offer valuable opportunities for hands-on leadership trainining. The city is also a hub for several important industries—including healthcare, religious publishing, and music—and numerous graduates of our program serve in these fields.
Wherever you aspire to work after graduation, our program will equip you to lead with wisdom and purpose.
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What You'll Learn
- You will think deeply about Christian leadership in a variety of settings.
- You will gain practical leadership experience.
- You will develop the skills you need to care for yourself and others.
- You will gain deep knowledge of Scripture and Christian theology.
- You will have great conversations about topics that really matter.
- You will grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
- You will explore what it means to be wise and to live a good life.
- You will be mentored by excellent professors.
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
Core Courses You'll Take
- REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life
An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing, and personal development. - REL 2310, Turning Points in Christianity
A survey of the history of Christianity from the first century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions. - REL 2350, Who is God?
A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. - REL 2360, Interpreting the Bible
Course explores the practices of interpretation, biblical interpretation, and the influences of culture, environment, and presupposition in the interpretive experience. - REL 2410, Spiritual Formation
An 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, The Meaning of Life
An introduction to Christian ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
Area Courses
- REL 2450, Dynamics of the Local Church
A 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
The course will introduce students to the ministry of pastoral care, its history, traditions, and necessary skills within a variety of ministry settings. - REL 3450, Missions and Church Development
The course explores historic approaches to the missionary emphasis and development of the Christian church, with emphasis given to the emerging strategies for missions and church development. - REL 3460, Worship and Preaching
A 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 Leadership
Exploration of current leadership theories and their application to the Christian Leadership environment. Particular attention given to the tranformational aspects of servant leadership. - REL 4440, Pastoral Counseling
An emphasis upon uniqueness of the pastoral role, levels of counseling, theoretical frameworks for counseling, attention to specific crises, and practical steps in learning the art of counseling. - REL 4450, Studies in Spiritual Formation
This course will include a historical survey and research into current implications of the contemplative tradition. - REL 3510, Poverty and Justice
A study of poverty and homelessness in the United States and the world in light of social, biblical, and theological approaches to economic justice. - REL 3520, Faith and Justice
An introduction to a theology of justice in the history of Christian thought, to theories of justice in the Western intellectual tradition, to contemporary practices of justice and the issue which initiated them, and the contemporary components of social change that draw up on the rich tradition of justice grounded in Christian faith. - REL 3450, Eco-Justice and Faith
This course explores ways in which theologies, spiritual tradtions, and social ethics guide and motivate human beings in their interaction with the environment. The course examines the tensions between religion and science in order to see how those have an effect on the way we think about the environment. - REL 4560, Moral Vision of the Bible
An examination of the Bible as the primary source for Christian ethics. Attention will be given to the moral norms, critical challenges, and interpretive methodologies that accompany the function and place of the Bible in Christian moral discourse. This course will make explicit the relationship between Christian ethics, the Christian canon, and the life of the church. - REL 3550, Faith and Popular Culture
This course explores the cultural dimensions that affect faith formation and attitudes. Examines how faith acts to enable individuals to construct meaning, understand life purpose, and move toward greater authenticity. - REL 3210, Gender and the Bible
Students will investigate the interplay of male and female in scripture and in religious contexts, the dynamic of gender in biblical narratives, the teachings of scripture related to gender and religious traditions. - REL 3220, The Pentateuch
A comprehensive study of the first five books of the Bible. Some attention is given to theories of composition, with the primary focus being the literary structure of the final form of the text. - REL 3250, Johannine Literature
A study is made of the Gospel of John, the epistles of John, and the Revelation. - REL 4220, The Prophetic Literature
A survey of the Old Testament Prophets in their cultural and historical setting, with a focus on the literary structure of the prophetic scrolls and their theological teachings. - REL 4250, Life and Lettters of Paul
A study of the Acts of the Apostles as it relates to the life and work of Paul, also Pauline epistles as related to the history of Acts. - REL 3440, Internship
A field experience designed to provide practical experience in a ministry setting. - REL 4015, Senior Capstone*
A colloquium designed as a capstone of experiences for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
* Hours for this course reside in the BELL Core requirements
Every major in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry aims at whole person formation. Students are invited into a vibrant and supportive academic community and are offered numerous opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. As they learn to see in the light of Christ and grow in knowledge and wisdom, students develop the skills and habits they need to creatively pursue lives of meaning and purpose. This process happens inside and outside the classroom as students make use of the wide range of opportunities available to them.
- Explore the world. From addressing the AIDS epidemic in Botswana to visiting important biblical sites to walking pilgrimage in Scotland or Spain, our numerous study-abroad programs immerse you in transformative experiences around the globe.
- Engage in service. From mentoring refugee families to providing art therapy for the homeless, you will find countless opportunities to serve.
- Gain practical experience. Our internship program offers hands-on opportunities to explore your vocation and receive valuable insight from mentors. Our students gain experience in ministry, media, education, legal advocacy, non-profit work, community arts, and countless other settings. They are involved in everything from educating children to opposing human trafficking and food insecurity to leading worship and offering pastoral care.
- Join a club. From honor societies to faith-based groups, our student organizations help deepen your faith while broadening your horizons and creating enduring friendships.
- Conduct original research. Our students partner with professors, create original research, travel to deliver papers at academic conferences, participate in Belmont’s SPARK Symposium, and engage in numerous other forms of research.
The STCM has benefitted from the generosity of many donors over the years. This allows us to award scholarships to multiple students each year, including two full-tuition scholarships: the Madden Scholarship and the Servant Leader Scholarship. If you apply to any STCM major before December 1, you will automatically be considered for scholarships.
Learn from the Best
Our Christ-centered faculty represent a wide range of Christian traditions and theological perspectives. Each is an excellent teacher and mentor to students, and many are also well-known scholars and authors.
Christina Carnes Ananias
Marty Bell
Email: marty.bell@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2022
Manuel Cruz
Email: manuel.cruz@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2033
Cynthia A. Curtis
Email: ca.curtis@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2004
David Dark
Email: david.dark@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2026
Bradley Daugherty
Email: brad.daugherty@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2060
Steve Guthrie
Email: steve.guthrie@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2025
Darrell Gwaltney
Email: darrell.gwaltney@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2037
Sally Holt
Email: sally.holt@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2009
Young Bok Kim
Email: youngbok.kim@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2035
Kimbell Kornu
Email: kimbell.kornu@belmont.edu
Office Location: FCOM 5004
Donovan McAbee
Email: donovan.mcabee@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2024
Mark McEntire
Email: mark.mcentire@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2028
Amanda Miller
Email: amanda.miller@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2012
Adam Neder
Email: adam.neder@belmont.edu
Office Location: JMC 303D
Nicholas Norman-Krause
Email: nicholas.krause@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2013
Gideon Park
Email: gideon.park@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2033
Adam Perez
Email: adam.perez@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2015
Steve Reed
Email: steven.reed@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2060
Beth Ritter-Conn
Email: beth.ritterconn@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2018
Judy Skeen
Email: judy.skeen@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2008
Andy Watts
Email: andy.watts@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2021
Jordan Wood
Career Possibilities
As students are formed by their experiences in the Christian Leadership major, they grow in knowledge and wisdom, and they develop the skills employers across all industries today are seeking: clear and persuasive communication; the capacity to see issues from multiple perspectives; the ability to listen with empathy and curiosity; the emotional intelligence to work well in teams; the creativity to solve complex problems; and the patience and attention needed for deep literacy and conceptual analysis. Here are just a few of the career paths Christian Leadership majors take:
A pastor provides leadership to a church congregation, providing spiritual guidance, administrative organization, vision for the future and program planning, worship development, preaching, and pastoral care. The Christian Leadership major equips students with theological knowledge and practical leadership skills to shepherd churches and communities with wisdom and integrity.
Chaplains offer emotional and spiritual support in institutions like hospitals, prisons, and the military. The Christian Leadership major prepares students for many of the theological and spiritual challenges of chaplaincy through study in the classroom as well as practical experience outside the classroom.
Non-profit leaders oversee organizations focused on social impact and community service. The Christian Leadership major prepares students for the moral and practical leadership necessary for organizations to create, pursue and sustain a just mission and purposeful vision.
Social workers help individuals and families overcome challenges by connecting them with resources and support systems. The Christian Leadership major prepares students to understand the dynamics of social work as a profession requiring the skills of assessment, decision-making, and the care of others using empathy, integrity, and a commitment to holistic well-being.
Educators shape minds and inspire learning across various age groups and disciplines. The Christian Leadership major prepares students for professions as teachers and professors by focusing on the intellectual and practical habits of good communication, organization, and preparation that create successful and meaningful learning environments.
Coaches mentor and train individuals or teams to reach their full potential in sports, life, or career. The Christian Leadership major prepares students to understand and nurture the goals of others, help them reach those goals through the virtues of patience, compassion, and perseverance, as well as internships with teaching mentors and critical self -reflection guided by expert faculty.
Social entrepreneurs create innovative solutions to address social issues through business or service ventures. The Christian Leadership major prepares students to be moral leaders using creativity and skills to compassionately and relevantly seek flourishing for individuals and communities.
Health care workers care for the physical and emotional needs of patients in a variety of settings. The Christian Leadership major prepares students to care for the whole person by providing examples of, and experiences with holistic leadership theory and practice.
Counselors guide individuals through personal, emotional, and psychological challenges. The Christian Leadership major prepares students to practice counseling as part the larger work of cura animarum, the care of souls, through learning how to guide persons with compassion, spiritual sensitivity, and a commitment to healing and growth.
Missionaries serve locally or globally to spread the gospel and meet community needs. The Christian Leadership major prepares students with plans in mission work to lead cross-cultural initiatives with cultural awareness, sensitivity, hospitality, theological foundations, and a commitment to servant leadership.
Student Testimonial
Casey Cox
“The Christian Leadership program within the STCM struck a powerful balance between academic excellence and the real-life demands of pastoral ministry. The faculty consistently called us to a high standard of learning while also pointing us to why it matters in the everyday world. We would often ask questions like, ‘So what? Who is this for? Why does this matter? What do we do with this?’—questions that shaped my ability to translate complex theological ideas into meaningful, everyday language for the people I serve in Church and in life. The program’s ecumenical community among both faculty and students also challenged me to engage differing perspectives with humility and compassion. Learning in that kind of environment has taught me how to navigate disagreement and dialogue with grace, a skill that I believe is vital for ministry today.”
Grace Catherine Beckham
“My time studying theology at Belmont was deeply refining for me. Being a part of the STCM community invited me to examine and solidify my convictions while fostering in me a theological compassion I’d never known to carry. I am a more resilient follower of Jesus because of my time at Belmont, and I praise God for that.”
FAQs
Belmont is a Christ-centered ecumenical university. Our faculty are committed Christian scholars and teachers who represent a wide range of Christian traditions and theological perspectives.
Yes. All four majors in the School of Theology and Christian Ministry include an internship. These internships are in a wide variety of contexts. Study abroad and international mission opportunities are widely available.
Contact Us
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Addison Wallace
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8335