Associate of Arts in Church Leadership
Make an impact in your church and your community with a ministry degree.
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Foundational Training for Lifelong Ministry
North Central University offers a flexible, Christ-centered Associate of Arts in Church Leadership. This program includes 60 credit hours and is designed for people called to serve in the church in part-time and full-time ministry. In this unique program, you will learn and practice biblical leadership skills and knowledge in your church and ministry right away.
You can choose to enroll in an on-campus or online A.A. in Church Leadership. Online programs at NCU reflect our commitment to a multicultural and caring Christ-centered community even away from campus. Connect with peers and participate in virtual live chapel. Online students can expect meaningful communications with faculty, collaborative classes, and rigorous coursework, as well as online tutoring and academic success coaching.
- On Campus or Online: Complete this 60-credit program on campus or online as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
North Central had an enormous impact on how I pursued my calling to ministry. My classroom experience was essential, and so was the one-on-one attention I received from professors. They were able to point out areas where I needed to grow as a student and a spiritual leader. I wouldn’t be here without them”
Zeus Vital, ’13
Campus Pastor, River Valley Church
Why Study Church Leadership at NCU?
Our church leadership associate program invites students into ministry best practices you can activate right away, while providing a strong foundation of biblical scholarship, Pentecostal doctrine, and management and mentoring. The in-person program is ideal for students who want a residential experience. The online format makes it easier to learn while rooted in a community outside the Minneapolis area. Both programs will grow your faith and knowledge through studying theology, biblical studies, church history and administration, and more.
Built on our legacy as an Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) university, this A.A. in Church Leadership program meets the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials with the Assemblies of God, preparing you to lead within the denomination. Prepare for pastoral, educational, or administrative roles in your local church. This is especially helpful for students called to small and growing congregations where they may need to lead both spiritual formation and organizational administration.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Lead as a Christian Mentor
Read and Interpret Scripture
Share the Gospel
Lead as a Christian Mentor
Build skills in guiding biblically based individual and congregational spiritual formation.
Read and Interpret Scripture
Deepen your understanding of Old and New Testament literature, history, and interpretation.
Share the Gospel
Gain best practices to reach your community with the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Career Outcomes
A degree in church leadership prepares students to work in their local church, as well as for ministry and leadership roles in cause-driven organizations, Christian education, healthcare, and non-religious administrative roles.1 Transferable skills include mentoring, critical thinking, managing a team, analyzing and understanding complex texts and concepts, and strong interpersonal communication.
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are a few possibilities:
- Pastor
- Bible instructor
- Christian administrator
- Church planter
- Evangelist
- Military chaplain
- Ministry worker
- Hospice and hospital chaplain
Where Our Alumni Intern*
- River Valley
- West Wood Church
- Cedar Valley
- Grace Church
- Eagle Brook
- And more
*This includes alumni internships of multiple programs offered by the College of Church Leadership.
Learn From Experienced Leaders
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive church leadership experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling in church work.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.A. in Pastoral Studies
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies
B.S. in Church Leadership
FAQs
Can an A.A. in Church Leadership prepare me to be a pastor?
Yes, the A.A. in Church Leadership at NCU can prepare you for ministry as a pastor or for a number of other full-time and volunteer leadership roles. The program (in person and online) meets the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials with the Assemblies of God.
This program is fundamental and practical, meaning it lays a broad foundation of church leadership knowledge and best practices. Many students find that it helps them discern their calling and refine the next steps in their ministry and education, such as pursuing a bachelor’s degree and graduate programs. Explore NCU’s church leadership programs for furthering your church work training.
Can I enroll in this program if I’m not Assemblies of God?
Yes! We welcome ministry-minded Christians to consider this program as a step toward their God-given calling. NCU is affiliated with Assemblies of God and teaches from that perspective. You will be trained for Pentecostal ministry and administration, but you can apply what you learn in other denominational and organizational settings.
Can I take some of the courses online and some in person?
The Church Leadership A.A. is offered in two formats, online and on campus. Students enrolled in the residential (on-campus) program may take some of their classes online. Students enrolled in the online program must take all of their courses online and do not have the option of completing part of their program on campus. This helps simplify the tuition rate, financial aid, and housing planning. We recommend discussing the options with an admissions counselor to help you determine whether the on-campus or online business administration degree is the best fit for you.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes212011.htm (viewed Nov. 13, 2025).