— Bachelor of Arts

Pastoral Studies

Formation for shepherds — equipping students to minister to those in need and prepare for leadership roles in a ministry organization or a church.

Online & Flexible Learning
Ministry-Focused Curriculum
Up to 40 Life/Experience Credits
Biblical Studies Credits Apply
— Program Overview

Formed for the flock, equipped for the field.

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies prepares students to minister to those in need and assume leadership roles in a ministry organization or local church. The curriculum covers preaching, spiritual warfare, evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and character formation.

Courses from the Biblical Studies Curriculum may be applied to this major, allowing students to integrate deep scriptural study with practical pastoral training. Students complete 80 coursework hours plus up to 40 hours of recognized life and ministry experience.

120
Total Credits
80
Coursework Hrs
B.A.
Degree Awarded
Program Goals
  • Minister effectively to those in need in a local church or ministry organization
  • Lead with biblical wisdom, character, and strategic vision
  • Preach and teach the Word of God in a text-driven manner
  • Mobilize believers to fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism
  • Navigate spiritual warfare with scriptural confidence and strategy
— Degree Requirements

What it takes to graduate.

120
Total Degree Hours
80 coursework + 40 life/experience
80
Coursework Hours
Approx. 20–27 courses
≤ 40
Life/Experience Hours
Prior ministry, work, education
Yes
BS Credits Accepted
Biblical Studies courses may apply
— Curriculum

Authorized Courses.

All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted. Online Only courses: nothing to purchase.

CodeCourse TitleCreditsSource
PS-345New16 Habits of Spiritually Resilient People3Online Only
PS-201Biblical Management Principles3Online Only
PS-203Blessings Above & Beyond3Online Only
PS-314NewCalled by God: The Life & Ministry of the Apostle Paul3Online Only
PS-207Character Builder3Online Only
PS-211Disciple Maker, Part 13Online Only
PS-212Disciple Maker, Part 23Online Only
PS-217God's End-Time Agenda3Online Only
PS-221God's Not Dead3Amazon
PS-225His Kids3Online Only
PS-235How Miracles Follow Obedience3Online Only
PS-229I Will Pray3Online Only
PS-233Leaven-Like Evangelism3Online Only
PS-303Management by Objectives3Online Only
PS-325The Names of God3Online Only
PS-309Ordinary People3Online Only
PS-335Preaching for the Rest of Us3Amazon
PS-313Principles of Environmental Analysis3Online Only
PS-241Promises with Strings Attached3Online Only
PS-315Reliability of the Bible3Online Only
PS-307Strategic Spiritual Warfare3Online Only
PS-327NewTired of Waiting?3Online Only
PS-311Walk Worthy3Online Only
PS-321NewWhen God Interrupts3Online Only
— Descriptions

Course descriptions.

PS-345

16 Habits of Spiritually Resilient People

This course unpacks 16 habits of people who are able to stand firm, navigate difficulties with grace and emerge stronger. What makes the difference? Spiritual resilience!

PS-201

Biblical Management Principles

Shows how Jesus changed fishermen and tax collectors into reproductive Christians. Learn to move believers from visualizing to results — through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing. First in the "Organizing Module" series.

PS-203

Blessings Above & Beyond

Salvation is the greatest blessing God has ever given us. After we are saved by grace through faith, we become the adopted children of God. Learn how the Lord loves to shower His children with blessings that are above and beyond salvation.

PS-314

Called by God: The Life & Ministry of the Apostle Paul

A comprehensive study of the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul — humbly declaring, "Not to me, O Lord, not to me, but to Your name be the glory." (Psalm 115:1)

PS-207

Character Builder

Character is the God-given, inward motivation to do the right thing — regardless of circumstances and cost. Focuses on 25 of the most important character traits, each taught in five easy lessons.

PS-211

Disciple Maker, Part 1

A disciple is someone who learns to live like Jesus. These are practical lessons for maturing believers to help them along the journey of sanctification.

PS-212

Disciple Maker, Part 2

Continuation of Part 1 — deeper practical lessons for maturing believers conforming their words and ways to the words and ways of Jesus.

PS-217

God's End-Time Agenda

A pragmatic explanation of the end times and what to expect during the transition. Thoroughly explores the prophecies revealing God's master plan — from the advent of Jesus through the creation of the new Heaven, the new earth, and the New Jerusalem.

PS-221

God's Not Dead

Equips students to help unbelievers find faith in God. Outlines a roadmap guiding seekers to acknowledge the most basic truths of Christianity. Text: God's Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty by Rice Broocks.

PS-225

His Kids

A study of childcare topics that will prepare Christian child care associates to understand God's design for child development, and positively impact the lives of children under their care.

PS-235

How Miracles Follow Obedience

Examines the unmistakable correlation between miracles the Lord has performed in history and the unusual commands He gave those who obeyed Him — showing how obedience results in the release of His miraculous power.

PS-229

I Will Pray

A study on every aspect of intercessory prayer and how it affects people and brings change.

PS-233

Leaven-Like Evangelism

Written to mobilize and equip believers to fulfill the Great Commission — to take the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to every creature. A tremendous task, but not impossible.

PS-303

Management by Objectives

Presents a method for conducting Christian ministry in an orderly, effective manner. Learn to work with God to fulfill His purpose and plans. Last in the "Organizing Module" series.

PS-325

The Names of God

A captivating journey exploring the rich tapestry of names for God in Scripture — unraveling the profound and multifaceted nature of our Divine Father.

PS-309

Ordinary People

Throughout history, God hasn't looked for perfect resumes. He calls ordinary people — flawed, overlooked, sometimes fearful — to carry out extraordinary assignments for His glory. God looks for just an ordinary person who has a willing heart.

PS-335

Preaching for the Rest of Us

Teaches step by step how to present an expository, text-driven sermon that will lead to an invitation to which the listeners will respond. Text: Preaching for the Rest of Us by Robby Gallaty and Steven Smith.

PS-313

Principles of Environmental Analysis

Introduces the principles of environmental analysis for organizing and mobilizing spiritual resources for evangelizing. Second in the "Organizing Module" series.

PS-241

Promises with Strings Attached

Explores several of God's conditional promises in depth — times when He will act on our behalf if we meet certain conditions — and the blessings that follow if we obey.

PS-315

Reliability of the Bible

The origin, authorship, and inspiration of the Bible in historic perspective — the teaching, faith, and facts of the Bible uncovered.

PS-307

Strategic Spiritual Warfare

Presents effective strategic spiritual guidelines for dealing with a very real spiritual enemy. A 15-step interactive program that will guide you in facing the battles of life.

PS-327

Tired of Waiting?

Examines the lives of people who waited on God's perfect timing, and what happened when people got ahead of God. Even in trials and waiting periods, God is always at work behind the scenes.

PS-311

Walk Worthy

Delves into 229 biblical references regarding our "walk" as a believer — adjusting the direction and stride of our walk so that it lines up more and more with the Word, day by day.

PS-321

When God Interrupts

Inspired by the worldwide COVID-19 shutdown, this course examines over 50 biblical interruptions — showing that when God interrupts a life, the person almost always receives a new assignment from the Lord.

— Admissions

How to enroll.

01

Apply Online

Complete the STI application with your personal information and a brief testimony of faith and ministry background.

02

Pay Application Fee

A one-time, non-refundable $20 application fee is required to process your enrollment.

03

Begin Your Studies

Upon acceptance, select your first course, obtain your textbook (if required), and submit your first assignment to begin.

Individual Course
Per course, no credit toward degree
$25
Credit Course
Per credit hour, counts toward B.A.
$25
Application Fee
One-time, non-refundable
$20
Life/Experience Credit Evaluation
Contact the STI Registrar
Varies
"
Equipping Servants for the Kingdom

Shimba Theological Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin.

99 Wall Street, Suite 5544, New York, NY 10005

info@shimbatheological.org · +1 (347) 501-6665 (Admissions)

+1 (575) 213-6136 (General Inquiries)

Request an Application
S
Shimba Theological Institute
Est. in the Shimba Hills

Equipping believers for ministry through rigorous, accessible theological education rooted in Scripture and shaped for service.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."— 2 TIMOTHY 2:15

Contact

  • 99 Wall Street, Suite 5544, New York, NY 10005
  • info@shimbatheological.org
  • +1 (347) 501-6665
  • +1 (575) 213-6136 (General Inquiries)
© 2026 Shimba Theological Institute. All rights reserved.
Preparing Servants for the Kingdom
base44
Edit with Base44