The Bachelor of Arts in Student Ministry degree at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, is one of the best in the country. In fact, over the last ten years, 98.8% of OCC student ministry graduates who pursued a student ministry position were placed in one. Kevin Greer, the director of OCC's student ministry program, has over 30 years of youth ministry experience. You’ll also study under great guest teachers like CIY’s Jayson French and Lane Moss, Lori Murillo, and Dusty Frizzell, and you'll receive over 50 hours of Bible training and 18 hours of specialized student ministry training.
A study of the Old Testament historical books Genesis through Joshua focusing on chronological history. The course includes summaries and introductions to the various books, questions over the text, and information about the redemptive plan of God to save the world. Students will learn the facts of the text through lecture, discussions, assigned reading, and projects.
Life of Christ
Semester one covers the beginnings of the gospel up through the first year of ministry. It concentrates on the birth narratives, early Judean ministry, and early Galilean ministry. Major sermons: Jesus’ deity and credentials (John 5) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Students will concentrate on learning Jesus’ primary identity and proclamation of the kingdom.
Romans
An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and arguments of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.
Principles of Interpretation
A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.
Essentials of Christian Mission and Culture
Studies fundamental areas of missions. Surveying world needs, tracing missions throughout Scripture, and studying the overview of the many roles of mission work around the world. Students develop both a broad and biblical perspective on missions. Lecture, media, reading, and discussion.
Principles of Discipleship and Evangelism
This course is a critical examination of evangelism and discipleship as one continuous development of the spiritual life. Students will be given models, strategies, and biblical examples that both individuals and churches can use to help people grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The class will include lecture, discussion, case studies, and course assignments.
Looking for a full list of courses?
View the complete course information in our catalog.
“I believe that youth ministry is one of the most life-impacting careers anyone could ever choose. Our student ministry major exists to train and inspire the next wave of youth ministers to effectively lead a Jesus-centered student ministry, guiding teenagers to become lifelong, world-changing disciples of Jesus.”
Kevin GreerMinistry Center Director | Youth Ministry Relations Director | Student Ministry Professor
Kevin Greer Ministry Center Director | Youth Ministry Relations Director | Student Ministry Professor
