Ministry Growth and Development

Apply Now Request Information Contact Us

Leadership Tools for Today’s Ministry Challenges

">Churches today face complex challenges that require thoughtful leadership, spiritual maturity, and a commitment to healthy congregational life. The Ministry Growth and Development concentration at York University Online equips ministers and church leaders with practical leadership skills grounded in Scripture and informed by proven organizational leadership principles.

Through three focused courses, students explore how to cultivate discipleship, lead faithfully through change, and empower congregations toward spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness.

Whether you are actively serving in ministry or preparing to lead in the future, this concentration provides tools to strengthen your leadership and help your church thrive.

Next cohort launching Fall 2026.

Designed for Ministry Leaders

"What makes this program so special is that it enables church leaders to explore leadership theories through a Christian worldview and apply those principles to their specific church context. If you are an elder, minister, or volunteer leader who wants to grow in your faith and serve your congregation more effectively, York’s ministry growth and development concentration is a great place to start."

Bryan Fojtasek, York University Online Student
Southwest Church of Christ Pulpit Minister

Senior and Associate Ministers

Senior, associate, and youth

Elders and Church Leaders

Staff and Ministry Volunteers

Christian nonprofit leaders

Program Overview

Concentration Requirements

3 courses
9 credit hours
8-week asynchronous online courses

Students may complete the concentration independently or continue into the full Master's in Organizational and Global Leadership (36 credit hours). Completing the Ministry Growth and Development concentration puts students well on their way to completing the full MOL degree.

Ministry Growth & Development Concentration

What You’ll Learn

Students in this concentration develop practical leadership tools for guiding healthy churches and ministries.

Key learning outcomes include:

Strengthening congregational discipleship
Leading churches through seasons of change
Developing leadership pipelines within congregations
Cultivating spiritually mature communities of faith
Applying biblical wisdom to ministry decision-making
Building healthy ministry cultures that encourage growth and renewal

"After 30+ years in ministry, it is insightful to see how the leadership theories in the corporate world can help with leadership in the church, how many leadership principles mesh with biblical truths, and to challenge me to intentionally think about how I can lead people better in the Kingdom. I am excited to continue learning and applying these insights."

Kevin Knight, York University Online Student
Eastside Church of Christ Youth & Family Minister

Ministry Growth & Development Courses

MIN 5311 – The Learning Congregation

This course explores the congregation as a dynamic learning-centered community shaped by spiritual formation, theological reflection, and organizational development. Students examine how congregations adapt to change, cultivate discipleship, and encourage lifelong learning within the church.

MIN 6321 – Faithful Decision-Making

Students explore ethical and strategic decision-making within Christian leadership contexts. Grounded in biblical wisdom and leadership theory, the course examines how prayer, moral discernment, and Scripture inform leadership decisions in churches and nonprofit organizations.

MIN 6331 – Empowering Spiritual Truths

This course examines the transformational role of spiritual truth in shaping identity, discipleship, and leadership. Students explore how spiritual maturity, encouragement, and the discernment of gifts can mobilize healthy, effective ministry within the life of the church.

Bachelor of Bible and Ministry

Continue Your Ministry Education

For students earlier in their ministry journey, the Bachelor of Bible and Ministry provides a strong biblical and theological foundation for leadership, service, and ministry preparation. Explore how this undergraduate program can help you begin or deepen your ministry calling.

Learn More About the Bachelor of Bible and Ministry

Learn More

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are passionate about strengthening the church, growing as a leader, and serving your congregation more effectively, the Ministry Growth and Development concentration may be the next step in your ministry journey.

Phone

1 (402) 363-5709

Online & Graduate Admissions

online@york.edu

Apply Today!

Explore More Programs:

Dual Enrollment

College Credit

Dual enrollment allows current high school students to take college-level coursework while enrolled in a separate academic institution (i.e. high school, home school, or educational alternative). Students enrolled in these programs receive accredited and transferrable college credit offered at the same rigor as a traditional college course.

Bachelor's Programs

Serving degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students and providing highly-regarded and award-winning academic programming in Business, Education, Psychology, Organizational Leadership, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Master's Programs

Serving degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students by providing highly-regarded and award-winning academic programs. York University offers master's programs in Education, Healthcare Administration, and Organizational & Global leadership with a variety of concentrations.

Why York University Online?

Nationally Recognized Top Online Christian College

York University Online is a great choice for working adults and individuals that want to get ahead and complete their bachelor's or master's degree online. York University Online offers a flexible format and new classes starting every 8 weeks. See if York University Online might be a great fit for you!

Accredited Christian College

York University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604. 1-800-621-7440.

Affordable Christian Education Online

We recognize that earning a degree can be a significant investment of time and money. For that reason, we've endeavored to make your education accessible and affordable. In addition to affordable tuition, there are a number of available financial aid programs.

York University Online Degree Programs

Whether you're an undergraduate student looking to transfer to an online college, or a working professional seeking to improve their credentials with a graduate degree, we have the online degree program offerings to fit your needs.

man sitting at computer