Barnabas Pastoral Program and Accelerated Undergraduate Degree to Master of Divinity Pathway

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The Barnabas Pastoral Program is designed for students looking to change the world through pastoral ministry. Our Accelerated Undergraduate Degree to Master of Divinity Pathway was developed for students who want to make an impact outside of pastoral roles. Both of these programs allow you to complete seminary level courses while completing your bachelor's degree and are outlined in more detail below.

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Barnabas Pastoral Program and Scholarship¹

The Barnabas Pastoral Program is designed for young students who are preparing for vocational ministry within the context of a local church. The program exists to meet the needs of the vibrant local churches in Phoenix, the southwest United States and beyond.

Like the Accelerated Undergraduate to Master of Divinity Pathway, the Barnabas Pastoral Program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree and Master of Divinity in as little as five years. Being a part of the Barnabas Pastoral Program also offers:

  • Fifth-year full tuition scholarship for all participants1
  • Training, mentorship and support from a pastoral community during and after degree completion
  • Practical pastoral preparation activities including co-curricular events and experiences, surveys, assessments, interviews and career preparation experiences

If you have felt a sense that God has begun to call you toward ministry in a local church, apply for the Barnabas Pastoral Program today. For more information, fill out the form on this page and a university counselor will contact you.

Accelerated Undergraduate Degree to Master of Divinity

If you are looking to step into ministry outside of a pastoral role, the Accelerated Undergraduate Degree to Master of Divinity pathway is for you. You can complete classes from the Master of Divinity degree while finishing your bachelor’s degree.

Features of this program include:

  • Year-round program
  • Complete two degrees in as little as five years
  • Exciting ministry internships, formative labs and requirements for supervised ministry
  • Explore the skills of a life leader with little to no previous experience. Spiritual Life offered over 440 student leader positions for the 2022-23 school year.

Qualifying undergraduate programs for the accelerated path include:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Read below some of the questions you may have about this unique pastoral program.

For those who have wondered how to become a pastor, GCU’s Barnabas Pastoral Program aims to give young students who feel called to serve an opportunity to receive guidance, support and practical education from church leaders through internships and ministry opportunities.

Qualifying undergraduate programs for the accelerated path include the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Christian Studies emphasis programs.

The Barnabas Pastoral Program is designed for students who feel a call to church ministry and are seeking a way to put this calling into action. The target student is a young person who has discerned a calling to pastoral ministry in the local church and who begins the accelerated degree path prior to the age of 21.

Students may not know every detail about what kind of church position they will fill in the future. The Barnabas Pastoral Program is meant to support students on a trajectory toward serving in the local church and to help them find out how they can use their pastoral role to have the biggest impact.

Students applying for admission to the program should be able to articulate their calling to church ministry and what has driven them toward the local church. The application process requires students to share their testimony and capacity for pastoral leadership. Applicants will be considered for the program if they:

  • Are able to demonstrate their sense of calling to and aptitude for vocational ministry
  • Are under the age of 21
  • Have less than 40 transfer credit hours going into the program
    • Students who have more than 40 credit hours are considered ineligible

In order for the Barnabas Pastoral Scholarship1 to be applied to your account for the fall, spring and summer terms of your fifth year in the program, you must meet all programmatic requirements during your first four years in the program. Academic progression requirements are the same as those required for the Accelerated Undergraduate to Master of Divinity. Additional requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Maintain continuous full-time enrollment in a year-long program of study
  • Uphold the ethical and moral values by which GCU stands
  • Uphold the Covenantal Standards of GCU’s College of Theology and Seminary
  • Maintain a minimum 3.25 institutional GPA

Immersing theologically trained pastors in hands-on ministry experiences early in life develops a strong foundation that an impactful ministry can be built upon. These transformational ministry experiences are built directly into the accelerated pathway, equipping students with the skills to bring what they learn in seminary into the world and fulfill the purpose God has given them.

Given the diverse traditions and denominations represented in our student body, we understand there may be varying language used for offices or roles. These variations in language should not dissuade any applicant if their work is in the spirit of pastoral work.

 

Pastors and church leaders: Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Interested in learning more about Barnabas? Fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.

Admission Steps: We're Here For You

At GCU, the admissions process is simple and straightforward; guided by a university counselor who provides step-by-step personalized support. A GCU university counselor ensures that your application and registration process is seamless and helps you make informed decisions in your best interest. Furthermore, they will connect you with student support resources to help with the first-year experience, campus living, academics and more.

GCU values transparency and trains our counselors to offer financial details and benefits, while directly answering questions about how you can pay for college and incur minimal debt. You and your family can trust that financial plans will be tailored to your unique financial situation and needs.

Let's get started! Follow these four easy steps:

  1. Apply to GCU and upload your transcripts with no application fee!
  2. Make an appointment with your university counselor to review scholarship options and programs.
  3. Arrange your all-expenses paid3 campus visit.
  4. Register early to secure courses and on-campus housing.

1 The Barnabas Pastoral Scholarship will be used to cover your GCU tuition expenses in your fifth year of enrollment. This scholarship has no cash value and cannot be used for food and housing.

2 By submitting this form, you give Grand Canyon University your consent to use automated technology to call and text you at the information above, including your wireless number if provided, regarding educational services. Please note that you are not required to provide this consent to receive educational services.

3 Travel reimbursement is only available to students who demonstrate their ability to meet admissibility for the traditional campus, plus one legal guardian, from a student’s home city/state to Phoenix, Arizona. School/district/organization staff, faculty and/or personnel are also eligible. To participate, the program requires a signed MOU by both the student and parent/guardian or personnel, approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location and education sector. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed (air or ground). GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in or travel insurance fees. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.