Glass design of the cross.

Institute for Christian Thought and Practice

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HU students worshiping. HU students worshiping.
WHY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT AND PRACTICE

Follow the Path God Has Placed in Front of You

Within Huntington University’s Institute for Christian Thought and Practice, men and women are prepared with foundational competencies and commitments in Bible, Christian theology, Church leadership, and practical ministry skills through both liberal arts and professional majors. You will have a wide range of on- and off-campus experiences and opportunities to sharpen your verbal and written communication, develop the skills necessary for leading others in growing faithfulness to God, and strengthen the virtues required for service of Jesus Christ and His Church. 

HU’s Christian liberal arts setting puts us in a unique place to explore every aspect of Christian thought and practice. Get ready to grow in:

  • interpreting the Bible
  • understanding Church history
  • developing leadership skills
  • strengthening theological reasoning
  • deepening your faith commitment
  • sharpening communication skills

Christian Thought and Practice Majors & Minors

Video: Theologian Kent Eilers discusses his book on the Christian life Video: Theologian Kent Eilers discusses his book on the Christian life
Bible and Theology
Major
Minor
Children’s Ministry
Major
Christian Ministries
Major
Minor
Missions
Major
Minor
HU professor explaining to students. HU professor explaining to students.
Philosophy
Major
Minor
Student talking to a professor. Student talking to a professor.
Special Needs Ministry
Major
A worship band leads at a student event at Huntington University. A worship band leads at a student event at Huntington University.
Worship
Major
Minor
Professor helping special needs kid. Professor helping special needs kid.
Youth Ministries
Major
Minor
IS CHRISTIAN THOUGHT AND PRACTICE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

God may be calling you to vocational ministry if...

If you’re passionate about leading others in their journey to grow closer to God and want to prepare for ministry leadership, there are so many paths for you to choose in the Institute of Christian Thought and Practice at HU. 

Your experience will involve the interpretation of the Bible, growing in theological and doctrinal reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving, and Biblical truth. With a curriculum designed to integrate evangelical theology, Church history, ministry skills, systematic theology, and more, the faculty leading your studies will guide you toward a deeper faith and better understanding.

Career Opportunities
  • Pastor
  • Chaplain
  • Missionary
  • Church Planter
  • Special Needs Coordinator
  • School Counselor
  • Community Developer
  • Youth Pastor
  • Camp Director
Hands-On Experiential Learning

To truly breathe life into ministry, you need to experience what you are studying in an up-close and personal way. That’s why practical learning is built into our curriculum.

HU students reading and talking outdoors.
Practical Research and Immersion for Ministry Effectiveness (PRIME)

Your PRIME experience is a seven-month internship designed to allow you to work closely with ministry leaders who will guide you through full-time ministry and leadership experiences in churches and parachurch ministries throughout the U.S. and around the world. This experience will help you feel prepared for a life in full-time ministry after graduation.

HU professor clarifying doubts from a student.
Learn from Ministry Professionals

With professors who care deeply for your spiritual formation, you will learn from those who have walked the path of ministry before you. Having backgrounds in international missions, church ministry, leadership in parachurch organizations and agencies, and more, the faculty equipping you to serve are compassionate, well-trained, and pursuing God wholeheartedly.

Veritas Theology Institute faculty and students.
Opportunities to Serve

At the heart of ministry is service, and HU provides several opportunities to practice serving your brothers and sisters in Christ during your time here. From the student organization Global Vision, to opportunities set up through the Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning, to short-term missions trips, there are so many people to serve, and HU gets to the heart of it.

Psychology degree students sitting and chatting
Internships and Real-World Learning

In order to equip you for ministry, whether locally or globally, you will gain access to various opportunities within your major to engage with the world. You may spend a semester in Israel studying at Jerusalem University College, or teach internationally over the summer months.

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Dedicated Faculty and Staff

Tom Bergler
Professor of Christian Thought and Practice
Kent Eilers
Professor of Theology
Karen Jones
Professor of Christian Thought and Practice
Jay LeBlanc
Instructor of Worship Leadership
Jordan Monson
Professor of Missions and Old Testament/Director of the Center for Faith Integration and Vocation
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HU student raising her hand to ask a question in class. HU student raising her hand to ask a question in class.

Cost of Attendance

Huntington University is dedicated to providing several paths for financial assistance as you invest in your education and future. Each student’s financial aid package is unique and complements our competitive tuition. Online tools are available to help you calculate your investment.

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HU students worshiping in chapel. HU students worshiping in chapel.

Christ-Centered Focus

In addition to providing you with a nationally-recognized education, we aim to help you experience the cross-section between faith and education. Discover who God wants you to be alongside a close-knit, Christ-centered community. When you’re at HU, you’re home.

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