School of Christian Ministry and Formation

Welcome

Welcome to the School of Christian Ministry and Formation at MidAmerica Nazarene University. The school forms a spiritual core at MidAmerica, assisting students enrolled in its programs as they boldly explore life’s big questions, solidify a passion for serving others, and pursue a calling that will lend their lives purpose—and help others find purpose, too. Practical scholarship defines the school’s approach. Programs of study can lead to ordination in the Church of the Nazarene and assist graduates from other denominations with requirements for ordination, or provide a foundation for graduate work in Bible, theology, church history, or other classical disciplines related to Christian faith development.

Faculty members are mentors and guides, leading students spiritually as well as in the classroom. Our professors are involved in ministry, too! They serve as pastors, write for Christian publications, speak at national events, and more. Classroom presentations and discussions flow out of their academic accomplishments, their connection to a local church, and their personal commitment of faith to Jesus Christ.

Outside the classroom, students have many opportunities to pursue their passion, minister to others, and grow their faith. One can study abroad at sister schools in Europe and Asia, intern at the Global Ministry Center for the International Church of the Nazarene, volunteer at service agencies throughout the Kansas City metro area, intern at the Bresee Institute, a center with locations in Kansas and Los Angeles devoted to urban ministry, and at Youthfront, a parachurch organization located in Kansas City with various programs in the metro area, or serve on mission trips all over the world.

Our mission

Our mission: practical scholarship. Day-to-day spirituality. Leadership through service. We work to prepare young men and women like you for meaningful lives of church ministry. Guided by our Wesleyan-Arminian theology, we’re dedicated to shaping and mentoring students as they become a redemptive force for good in the world. We’re committed to helping in the journey as our students discover passion and purpose through their service. Graduates pursue meaningful vocations as pastors, evangelists, youth ministers, missionaries, educators, Christian scholars, and ministry leaders.

You are invited to join a wonderful community of faculty and students exploring the great truths of scripture to transform lives, energize churches, and proclaim the kingdom of God to our world!

Why MNU

Full-time faculty in the School of Christian Ministry and Formation are experienced leaders in the fields of Bible and theology, pastoral ministry, Christian education, and missions. Each professor is involved in ministry, such as pastoring a church, serving on a church staff, leading in volunteer ministry roles, or preaching in various capacities. They are also publishing books and articles, leading workshops, consulting with ministry organizations, and engaging students in compassionate ministries. Our location in Kansas City also allows us to utilize denominational leaders and outstanding pastors in roles as adjunct professors, session presenters, and panel participants, further enriching the academic experience with current ministry issues and experiences.

Internships, summer field experiences, and mission trips give students plenty of opportunity to gain experience and build meaningful relationships, interacting with people face to face. Students have traveled in Europe, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, within academic programs and as part of extracurricular activities. Certificates in Youth and Family Ministry, Children and Family Ministry, and Bible and Theology help students majoring in disciplines outside of the School of Christian Ministry and Formation to expand their skills, making them more effective in future positions of service as laypersons in their local church.

Special scholarships for ministry majors at MNU assist students in reducing debt, giving them greater ability to focus on their studies and their future ministry.

Ministry Student Scholarship

If you’re planning to enter full-time ministry assignment with the Church of the Nazarene — whether through your local church, missions or evangelism — you may be eligible for the Ministry Student Scholarship program (MSSP). This scholarship provides financial assistance to Nazarene ministerial students, helping minimize debt so they can focus on their service.

Urban Ministry Preparation

A special feature of MNU's program flows from relationships cultivated in our city's urban ministry centers. With locations in Kansas City and Los Angeles, the Bresee Institute offers seminars, workshops and consulting in urban ministry, from developing nonprofit organizations to navigating multicultural issues, which MNU students can access for their own career preparation for urban settings. Students can sign up for a one-semester internship through Bresee to gain understanding and experience. We also provide a residency program with Youthfront, allowing students in participate fully in an urban community while studying concepts and envisioning creative applications related to youth and family ministry. Plus volunteer and internship positions are available with the Kansas City Rescue Mission and other nonprofit agencies within the metro area.

Programs of Study

Majors

• Bible & Theology
• Ministry
• Intercultural Studies
• Youth and Family Ministry

Minors

• Ministry
• Intercultural Studies
• Urban Ministry
• Christian Education

Certificate Programs

• Youth and Family Ministry
• Children and Family Ministry
• Bible and Theology

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