Associate of Arts in Lay Ministries
Overview
The Associate of Arts in Lay Ministries degree (A.A.L.M.) is a 64-semester-hour degree designed for persons who wish to gain ministry skills and knowledge in order to serve as lay workers in churches or Christian organizations. The degree is based on a strong general studies component and introductory studies in Bible, theology, and ministry principles. While not providing all the competencies for completion of ordination education requirements in the Church of the Nazarene, the program gives foundational knowledge and skills for lay contribution to the work of the church either as volunteers or as paid staff members. Persons who desire to complete ordination requirements may do so by taking approximately 11 additional courses.
Degree Requirements
All associate programs at Nazarene Bible College contain the following degree requirements:
- Completion of a minimum of 64 semester hours.
- At least 32 semester hours in residence-with at least 16 of the final 32 hours in residence.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 basis).
- Completion of the required hours in the following areas:
- Completion of NBC Experience
- College indebtedness paid in full
Core Requirements
General Education Core
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 28 hours | ||
| ENG-1013 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG-1023 | English Composition II | 3 |
| GEN-1003 | Lifelong Learning Skills | 3 |
| HIS-2023 | Western World/Emerging Modern Society | 3 |
| MTH-1003 | General Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY-1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SCI-2013 | General Physical Science | 3 |
| SPE-1003 | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE-3013 | Introduction to Christian Thought | 3 |
| Choir, Applied Music, or Gen. Studies Elective (Included in the Music Ministry concentration.) | 1 |
Bible and Theology Core
| Course | Course Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 hours | ||
| BIB-1013 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB-1023 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB-2003 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
Concentrations
The student must select one of the following concentrations to complete the 64 hours required for an Associate of Arts in Lay Ministries degree.