Alumni/Church Partners
Current Students
Faculty & Staff
Kentucky Christian University
Kentucky Christian University
100% Online, Asynchronous (8-week classes)
Pastoral Development + Field Mentor
Residency/Internship Credit for Ministry Work
121 Credit Hours | Multiple Starts a Year
Exegete Scripture for preaching and teaching
Articulate and defend practical theologies (including calling/gifting)
Develop and evaluate discipleship curriculum
Preaching and teaching methodologies
Build multi-year curriculum plans
Lesson/sermon design + learning objectives
Active listening + crisis response
Weddings, funerals, baptisms, ordinations, worship services
Engage cultural settings and worship contexts
Evaluate cultural artifacts + cultural brokerage strategies
Mission/vision/values/goals
Stakeholder types + leadership styles grounded in biblical models
Built for maturing Christian leaders who want to grow without relocating.
This online program is designed for self-directed students with a professional mindset who are actively involved (or preparing to be involved) in place-located ministry or a nonprofit organization—such as a church, church camp, Christian home organization, or mission placement.
Ministry leadership
Nonprofit leadership
Education or human services pathways
Ministry Practicums (CMM 211–213)
Three 1-credit courses focused on practical, real-world ministry skills often overlooked in training.
Ministry Internship (CMM 300)
A residency model with 12 credit hours of fieldwork (approximately 960 hours) integrated into your ministry setting.
Principles of Teaching
Introduction to Preaching
Hermeneutics
World Evangelism
Christ and Culture (capstone)
Theology and Practice of Ministry (capstone)
Emphases/Tracks:
Preaching
Youth Ministry
Minister
Chaplain
Missionary
Human services / nonprofit roles
Graduate pathways:
Seminary/graduate school (including clinical pastoral education and advanced doctoral work) or related fields like human services or law school.
Click HERE for more information
Our students are mentored by faculty who are committed Christians and experienced leaders
Dr. Rob O’Lynn — Preaching, ministry, pastoral care, leadership, fieldwork
Dr. Robert Shoaff — Leadership, intercultural studies, theology; Dean of KSBM
Dr. Leslie Hardin — New Testament; spiritual formation
Kara Hardin — Worship and music
Mentoring model
Course-level instructor mentoring
Annual Pastoral Development interview
Internship director + fieldwork support team
Field mentor throughout the program
Contact:
Program Lead: Dr. Rob O’Lynn — rolynn@kcu.edu
“KCU was more than a University, it was also a home for me. Professors didn’t just worry about my grades, but they knew about my life, provided counsel, encouraged me, and pushed me to grow. I felt that my education for ministry was amazing and really helped prepare me for ministry. A lot of my spiritual mentors have come out of KCU and also some lifelong friendships with fellow students. KCU might not be the biggest school, but it has one of the biggest hearts.”
Cady Wurtz, Class of 2017 Graduate School