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3+1 Ministry Programs

Home : Academics : Division of Religion : 3+1 Ministry Programs

3 years of on-campus, foundational ministry preparation

   

1 year off-campus church residency

Inventive Training  •  Real-Life Contexts  •  Practical Ministry Experiences  •  All before Graduation

About the 3+1 Religion Track

This religion program option prepares students for practical ministry in a variety of areas, with 3+1 concentrations in Christian Ministry or Youth Ministry. Religion majors learn to apply scriptural principles to contemporary life by taking what they learn in the classroom for three years and diving into a ministry residency during their fourth year.

As a 3+1 religion major, you will begin cultivating a pattern of spiritual accountability and participate in ministry before you graduate. Additionally, you will learn to effectively and persuasively preach and teach, to plan and conduct worship services, to give pastoral care, and to understand basic counseling. As you gain a deeper understanding of the theological implications of life issues, you'll also experience what it means to share the plan of salvation with a seeker, provide administrative leadership for ministry, and continue your personal spiritual development.

SWU's 3+1 curriculum option provides ministry preparation that is "both/and":

  • Traditional / Contemporary approaches
  • Large church / Mid-small church experiences
  • Historical appreciation / Missional relevancy
  • Classroom instruction / Residency mentoring
  • Campus experience / Real-life ministry

You might consider a 3+1 religion track if you sense God’s calling on your life into vocational ministry or a Christ-centered organization, are an individual who shows Christ-like compassion to others, and are seeking a hands-on educational experience.

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Courses:

Christian Ministry Track
Youth Ministry Track

Hear from Dr. Mike Tapper about this new program.

 

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Bring clarity and discernment to your ministerial calling within a supportive learning environment, complemented by real-life ministry opportunities

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Plunge into a specific ministry context to see how ministry happens in a church with its own unique DNA

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Reduce your on-campus housing expenses by spending your fourth year in free housing accommodations during your residency. Many churches also offer a monthly stipend.

3+1 Course Structure

First 3 Years

96 credits completed — There are many ways to complete 96 credits by the end of your third year.

Fourth Year

12 credits for ministry residency

12 credits of online ministry courses (four of the following courses):

  • WORS 4223 - Ministry of Worship
  • RELG 3043 - Ministry in Cultural Context
  • RELG 4213 - Leading in Ministry
  • SPFD 2153 - Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Ministry
  • YMIN 4423 - Administration of Youth Ministry

Your Future

Career Preparation

This program opens the door to many career possibilities including:

  • Pastor
  • Assistant Pastor
  • Evangelist
  • Youth Pastor
  • Children’s Pastor
  • Worship Pastor
  • Church Planter
  • Christian Education Pastor
  • Missionary
  • Church Administrator
  • Sports Minister

Graduate Schools

Our graduates from this program have been accepted into graduate schools including:

  • Wesley Seminary
  • Asbury Theological Seminary
  • Denver Theological Seminary
  • Duke Divinity School
  • Erskine Seminary
  • Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
  • Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology
  • Nazarene Theological Seminary
  • Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Vanderbilt Divinity School
  • Wesley Biblical Seminary

Graduate Experience

Our graduates have gone into a number of careers and have held jobs with employers such as:

  • Wesleyan churches of all sizes
  • Church of God (Anderson)
  • Church of the Nazarene
  • Free Methodist Church
  • United Methodist Church
  • African Methodist Episcopal Church
  • Anglican Church
  • Variety of Baptist churches
  • World Hope International
  • World Relief
  • World Vision
  • Samaritan’s Purse
  • Kingdom Building Ministries
  • Campus Crusade
  • And other ministries
"The personal investment by the faculty at SWU was more than an intellectual investment; it was a whole person investment. I learned as much by doing life with the SWU family as I did in the classroom. SWU not only gave me the education necessary to be a minister, they gave me the belief that I could make a difference as a minister."

Tom Harding, Senior Pastor at ALIVE Wesleyan Church