Distance Degrees for Executive Pastors, Church Administrators, Church Operations Directors, etc.

As a current or future Executive Pastor, Church Administrator, or Director of Church Operations, your leadership shapes how ministry happens. How you manage staff, design ministry systems, resolve conflict, steward budgets, approach legal matters, and develop strategies for accomplishing the church’s vision matters and must be in alignment with God’s Word. In today’s complex ministry environment, all of that is difficult to do (to say the least)!

Today, it's easier than ever to deepen your theological foundation, leadership acumen, and management skills without having to step away from your role or community. Many Christian universities and seminaries offer fully accredited distance degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

These degrees can help you to:

• Strengthen your biblical and theological foundation for leadership and communication.

• Develop skills in sermon preparation, teaching, and vision casting.

• Communicate effectively across departments, teams, cultures, and generations.

• Integrate organizational leadership, strategic planning, and spiritual formation.

• Lead with integrity, clarity, and confidence rooted in Scripture.

Below is a curated list of Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries offering fully accredited, distance-learning undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to help prepare you for executive ministry. While many educational institutions offer general Christian ministry degrees, the list below includes degrees specifically designed for executive pastors, church administrators, staff managers, church operations directors, etc.

You can also check out the following blog post: Distance Graduate Degrees in Leadership, Management, Data Science, Organizational Psychology, and Human Resources.

***This list will be updated regularly, so check back often to explore new programs and opportunities.

Sections Below

Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s Degrees

Business/Leadership Degree + Ministry Degree

Doctoral Degrees

Abbreviations- Degrees

BA: Bachelor of Arts

BS: Bachelor of Science

BTh: Bachelor of Theology BAS: Bachelor of Applied Science

BRE: Bachelor of Religious Studies

BMin: Bachelor of Ministry

BBS: Bachelor of Biblical Studies BBTS: Bachelor of Biblical & Theological Studies

BCL: Bachelor of Christian Leadership

MDiv: Master of Divinity

MTS: Master of Theological Studies

MMin: Master of Ministry

MML: Master of Ministry Leadership

MTM: Master of Transformative Ministry

MBMM: Master of Business Ministry & Management

MFLM: Master of Faith-Based Leadership & Management

MA: Master of Arts

MS: Master of Science

MBA: Master of Business Administration MPA: Master of Public Administration

MLS: Master of Legal Studies

MSL: Master of Strategic Leadership

MCL: Master of Christian Leadership

DMin: Doctor of Ministry

DEdMin: Doctor of Educational Ministry

EdD: Doctor of Education

DSL: Doctor of Strategic Leadership

DLead: Doctor of Leadership DA: Doctor of Arts

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor's Degrees

Africa International University

MA in Organizational Leadership

Asbury University

BA in Leadership & Ministry

Baptist University of Florida

BA in Ministry Studies: Church Staff Ministry

Bethel University (IN)

BA in Christian Leadership

Bluefield University

BA in Christian Studies: Ministry Leadership

Calvary Chapel University

BA in Biblical Studies: Christian Leadership

City Vision University

BA in Christian Ministry & Management: Ministry Management

Cornerstone College & Seminary

BBS in Ministry Leadership

Cornerstone University

BA in Ministry Leadership

Dallas Christian College

BS in Practical Ministries: Ministry Leadership

Davis College

BRE in Organizational Leadership

East Texas Baptist University

BAS in Ministry Leadership

Ecclesia College

BA in Leadership

BCL - Bachelor of Christian Leadership

Epic Bible College & Graduate School

BA in Ministerial Studies: Non-Profit Management or Pastoral Leadership

Eternity Bible College and Indiana Wesleyan University

Bachelor of Biblical Studies (Eternity) + Bachelor of Science (IWU)

BBS + BS in Organizational Leadership

BBS + BS in Management

BBS + BS in Business Administration

BBS + BS in Business Administration w/HR Specialty

BBS + BS in Human Services w/Leadership Specialty

Faith International University 

BA in Leadership: Church/Nonprofit Administration, Business: Church/Nonprofit Administration, or Religion: Church/Nonprofit Administration

Grace Christian University

BS in Leadership & Ministry

Kansas Christian College

BA in Leadership & Ministry: Organizational Leadership

Kairos University

BA in Leadership or Christian Thought & Practice (Strategic Leadership, Finances & Ministry, or Systems Design & Thinking)

The King's University

BA in Ministry Leadership

Lee University

BS or BA in Ministry Leadership - Church Administration

Liberty University 

BS in Christian Leadership - Business Management or Applied Ministry

Life Pacific University

BA in Ministry & Leadership

Moody Bible Institute 

BS in Ministry Leadership & Human Services or Organizational Leadership

Nelson University

BA in Church Leadership - Church Operations

North Central University 

BS in Church Leadership

Northpoint Bible College 

BA in Ministry Leadership

Northwest University 

BA in Ministry Leadership 

Oral Roberts University 

BA in Ministry & Leadership: Church Operations

Regent University 

BA in Leadership Studies: Christian Ministry

BS in Christian Leadership: Management or Professional Studies: Christian Ministry

South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

BS in Business Administration & Management

University of the Free State (South Africa)

BTh in Leadership & Congregational Development

Valor Christian College

BA in Christian Ministry: Nonprofit Leadership or Organizational Leadership

Veritas Baptist College

BMin - Bachelor of Ministry in Church Business

Virginia Christian College

BBTS in Leadership

William Jessup University

BS in Strategic Leadership: Ministry Leadership

World Mission University

BA in Christian Ministry in Leadership Coaching & Counseling

Master's Degrees

Anderson University (IN)

MA in Christian Ministry: Church Administration 

Andrews University

MA in Religion: Christian Leadership

Asbury Theological Seminary

MA in Leadership - Organizational Leadership

Asian Theological Seminary

MBA in Stewardship & Christian Management

Azusa Pacific University

MA in Pastoral Studies: Church Leadership & Development

Bakke Graduate University

MA in Transformational Leadership: Global Organizational Leadership

Baptist University of Florida

MA in Leadership

Barclay College

MA in Transformational Leadership

The Bible Seminary

MA in Biblical Leadership

Biola University (Talbot School of Theology)

MA in Christian Ministry & Leadership - Leadership focus

Bluefield University

MA in Ministry Leadership

Briercrest Seminary

MA in Leadership, Theology, & Systems

***International degree from Canada

Bryan College

MA in Christian Leadership

MBA in Ministry

Bushnell University

MA in Church Leadership

Calvary Chapel University

MDiv in Christian Leadership

MA in Biblical Studies: Christian Leadership

Campbell University (Campbell Divinity School)

MA in Faith & Leadership Formation

Campbellsville University

MBA in Church Management

Cairn University

MA in Executive Ministry Leadership

Calvin Theological Seminary

MA in Christian Leadership: Organizational Management

Carolina University

MA in Ministry Administration

Cedarville University

MTS in Biblical Leadership

City Vision University

MA in Christian Ministry & Management: Ministry Management

Colorado Christian University

MA in Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry

Corban University 

MA in Christian Leadership: Ministry Leadership or Non-Profit Leadership

Criswell College

MA in Christian Leadership

Crown College

MDiv in Church Development or Non-Profit Leadership

MA in Ministry Leadership (Church Development, Leadership Coaching, or Non-Profit Leadership) or Organizational Leadership (Church Development, Leadership Coaching, or Non-Profit Leadership)

Dallas Baptist University

MA in  Education Ministry Leadership (Business in Ministry or Ministry Leadership), Leadership (Ministry Leadership), or Professional Development: Servant Leadership (focus in Leadership or Church Leadership)

Dallas Christian College

MTM - Master of Transformative Ministry

MTL - Master of Transformative Leadership

MA in Catalytic Leadership (via Fidelis International Seminary)

Dallas Theological Seminary

ThM in Leadership

STM in Educational Ministries & Leadership

MA in Christian Leadership

East Texas Baptist University (BH Carroll Theological Seminary)

MA in Christian Ministry: Business Leadership or Church Administration

Ecclesia College

MCL - Master of Christian Leadership

Epic Bible College & Graduate School

MA in Christian Ministry (Leadership focus) or Ethical Leadership

Faith International University

MDiv in Leadership Ministry

MA in Leadership Ministry

Freed-Hardeman University 

MA in Ministry: Leadership

Fresno Pacific University (Fresno Pacific Seminary)

MA in Ministry, Leadership, & Culture

Fuller Theological Seminary

MA in Theology & Ministry: Ecclesial Leadership

MA in Global Missional Leadership: Organizational Leadership, Leading Teams, or Change Dynamics

Global University

MA in Ministerial Studies & Leadership

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

MA in Christian Ministries: Leadership

Grand Canyon University (Grand Canyon Theological Seminary)

MA in Christian Leadership

Hannibal-LaGrange University 

MA in Leadership - Christian Leadership

Hope International University (Pacific Christian Seminary)

MDiv in Christian Ministry & Leadership

MA in Ministry: Christian Ministry & Leadership

Hampton University

MDiv in Pastoral Leadership & Executive Ministry

Indiana Wesleyan University (Wesley Seminary)

MDiv in Leadership

MA in Ministry: Leadership

Judson University

MA in Ministry & Leadership

Kairos University

MDiv in Strategic Leadership or Systems Design & Thinking

MA in Leadership & Innovation or Leadership

Kentucky Christian University

MA in Christian Leadership - Leadership Studies

Lancaster Bible College

MS in Nonprofit Management

LeTourneau University

MSL - Master of Strategic Leadership

Lee University

MA in Ministry Studies & Leadership Studies

Liberty University 

MA in Christian Leadership, Executive Leadership, or Human Services Counseling - Executive Leadership

Life Pacific University

MA in Strategic Leadership

Luther Rice College & Seminary

MA in Leadership

Luther Seminary

MA in Leadership & Innovation in Ministry

Manna University

MA in Christian Leadership

Melbourne School of Theology (Australia)

MDiv in Leadership

Mid-America Christian University

MA in Christian Ministry: Christian Leadership or Ministry Leadership

MMin in Ministry Leadership

Milligan University

MBA in Ministry Management

Moody Bible Institute (Moody Theological Seminary)

MDiv in Nonprofit Administration & Leadership

MA in Ministry Studies (Ministry Leadership or Ministry Entrepreneurship) or Nonprofit Administration & Leadership

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

MBA in Ministry Leadership

North Central University 

MA in Strategic Leadership: Church Leadership Track

North Greenville University 

MA in Leadership (Servant Leadership focus)

Northpoint Bible College 

MA in Pastoral Leadership

Moorlands College, University of Gloucestershire

MA in Applied Theology: Christian Leadership

***International degree from the UK

Oak Hill College (degree awarded by Durham University)

MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership

***International degree from the UK

Omega Graduate School (American Centre for Religion & Society Studies)

MLitt or MA in Organizational Leadership

Pacific Rim Christian University

MA in Christian Leadership

Palm Beach Atlantic University

MA in Ethics & Organizational Behavior

Point University

MTM - Master of Transformative Ministry

Regent University

MDiv in Theology & Ministry: Marketplace Ministry

MA in Church Leadership or Organizational Leadership: Servant Leadership

MPA in Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations

MLS - Master of Legal Studies in Nonprofit & Church Law

Roberts Wesleyan University (Northeastern Seminary)

MDiv in Transformational Leadership

MA in Transformational Leadership

Rockbridge Seminary

MML - Master of Ministry Leadership

St. Paul’s University (Kenya)

MTh in Church Leadership

Shasta Bible College & Graduate School

MA in Chaplaincy or Christian Ministries: Leadership

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 

MA in Ministry Leadership

Southeastern University

MA in Executive Ministerial Leadership

MBA in Missional Leadership

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

MDiv in Christian Leadership or Church Planting & Revitalization

Southwest Baptist University

MA in Organizational Leadership: Ministry Leadership

MBA in Ministry Leadership

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

MDiv in Ministry Leadership & Administration 

MA in Christian Education: Ministry Leadership & Administration

Trinity Law School

MLS - Master of Legal Studies in Church Administration

Trinity Western University (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)

MA in Christian Ministries: Leadership

University of Birmingham (UK)

MPA in Faith-Based Leadership

University of Exeter (UK)

MPhil in Formation for Ministry

University of Northwestern

MDiv in Organizational Leadership

MA in Ministry Leadership - Organizational Leadership

University of Otago (New Zealand)

MFLM - Master of Faith-Based Leadership & Management

University of South Africa

MTh in Christian Leadership & Theological Ethics

Vanguard University 

MA in Leadership Studies or Theology - Leadership Studies

Virginia Christian College

MMin in Leadership

Warner University

MBMM - Master of Business Ministry & Management

Wheaton College

MA in Leadership (Executive Ministry or Managing Nonprofits), Ministry Leadership, or Nonprofit Leadership

World Mission University

MA in Global Leadership Coaching

Business/Leadership Degree + Ministry Degree

Campbell University (Campbell Divinity School)

MDiv + MBA Program - both from Campbell University

Eastern University (Palmer Theological Seminary)

MDiv + MBA Dual Degree Program

Hope International University (Pacific Christian Seminary)

MBA + MA in Ministry or MS in Organizational Leadership + MA in Ministry Dual Degree Program

Mercer University (McAfee School of Theology)

MDiv + MBA Dual Degree Program

MDiv + MS in Organizational Leadership (Nonprofit) Dual Degree Program

MA in Christian Ministry + MS in Organizational Leadership (Nonprofit) Dual Degree Program

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

MDiv + MBA program

Palm Beach Atlantic University

MDiv + MBA program

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary / Cedarville University

MDiv + MBA program

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

MDiv in Christian Leadership or Church Planting & Revitalization

MDiv + MBA from Union University program

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

MDiv + MBA from Dallas Baptist University

Doctoral Degrees

Andrews University

DMin in Leadership

Asbury Theological Seminary

DMin in Organizational Leadership or Coaching & Leadership

Ashland University (Ashland Theological Seminary)

DMin in Transformational Leadership

Bakke Graduate University

DMin in Business/Conflict Studies or Leadership

Bethel University (Bethel Seminary)

DMin in Church Leadership or Transformational Leadership

Biola University (Talbot School of Theology)

PhD in Educational Studies (focus in Executive/Administrative Leadership)

EdD in Educational Studies (focus in Executive/Administrative Leadership)

DMin in Christian Leadership or Growing & Multiplying Churches

Birmingham Theological Seminary

DMin in Church Vitality

Candler School of Theology, Emory University

DMin in Church Leadership & Community Witness

Carolina University

PhD in Leadership: Ministry Administration

DMin in Church Revitalization

Dallas Baptist University

PhD in Leadership Studies & Ministry

EdD in Educational Leadership: Ministry Leadership

Dallas Theological Seminary

DMin in Church Health, Leadership & Multiplication or Organizational Leadership

Denver Seminary

DMin in Leadership

Drew University

DMin in Courageous Leadership

Eastern University (Palmer Seminary)

PhD in Professional Practice

East Texas Baptist University (BH Carroll Theological Seminary)

PhD in Ministry & Formation: Leadership

Evangel University (Assemblies of God Theological Seminary)

DMin in Contextual Leadership

Faith International University 

DMin in Transformational Leadership

DSL in Organizational Leadership

George Fox University

DLead in Global Perspectives

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

DMin in Leadership in a Changing Church Context

Grace Theological Seminary

DMin in Ministry Leadership

Grand Canyon University (Grand Canyon Theological Seminary)

EdD in Organizational Leadership & Christian Ministry (Qualitative) or Organizational Leadership & Christian Ministry (Quantitative)

Hampton University

DMin in Pastoral Leadership & Congregational Development

Johnson University

PhD in Leadership Studies: Ministry Leadership

Kentucky Christian University

DA in Theological Leadership

Kairos University

PhD in Transformative Leadership or Ministry & Business

ThD in Leadership Theology

DMin in Ministry & Finances, Strategic Leadership, or Systems Design & Thinking

The King’s University (The King’s Seminary)

DMin in Executive Leadership

Lancaster Bible College (Capital Bible Seminary)

DMin in Strategic Leadership

Liberty University 

PhD in Ministry Studies, Practical Theology, or Christian Leadership: Strategic Christian Ministry

EdD in Christian Leadership: Strategic Christian Ministry

DMin in Leadership or Strategic Christian Ministry

DSL — Doctor of Strategic Leadership

Luther Rice College & Seminary

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Manna University

DMin in Church Leadership or Organizational Leadership

Mercer University (McAfee School of Theology)

DMin in Leadership & Ministry

Metro Atlanta Seminary

DMin in Church Revitalization

Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

DMin in Church Revitalization

Moody Bible Institute (Moody Theological Seminary)

DMin in Executive Leadership & Ministerial Management

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

PhD in Christian Ministry & Leadership (ThM earned en route to the PhD)

DMin in Executive Administration

DEdMin in Executive Administration

North Greenville University 

DMin in Christian Leadership

EdD in Educational Ministry Leadership

Northwest Nazarene University

ThD in Theology of the Church

***This doctoral program is also offered in Spanish

***You can write on whatever theological topic you wish

Northwest University 

PhD or EdD in Organizational Leadership (Leading Ministry Organizations)

Oral Roberts University 

DMin in Church Ministries & Leadership

DSL - Doctor of Strategic Leadership

The Queen’s Foundation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Netherlands)

PhD in Leadership & Ministry

Regent University

PhD in Organizational Leadership: Ecclesial Leadership

DMin in Christian Leadership & Renewal

DSL in Ecclesial Leadership

Roberts Wesleyan University (Northeastern Seminary)

DMin in Leadership

St. Paul’s University (Kenya)

PhD in Theology: Church Leadership

St. Thomas University

PhD in Theology & Leadership

Shepherds Theological Seminary

DMin in Biblical Leadership

DCL - Doctor of Christian Leadership

South College

DMin in Leadership

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

EdD in Discipleship & Mentoring

DMin in Christian Leadership or Church Growth & Revitalization

Southeastern University

PhD in Organizational Leadership: Ministry Leadership

DSL in Leadership

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

PhD in Leadership (ThM earned en route to the PhD)

DMin in Church Leadership, Church Revitalization, or Executive Leadership

DEdMin in Church Leadership, Church Revitalization, or Executive Leadership

EdD in Organizational Leadership

Southern California Seminary

DMin in Christian Leadership

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

DMin in Executive Leadership

Trinity Anglican Seminary

DMin in Leadership & Ministry in the 21st Century

Tyndale University (Tyndale Seminary)

DMin in Leadership, Non-Profit Organizational Leadership, or Reframing the Church in Context

***International degree from Canada

Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa (San Juan, PR) 

ThD in Ministerial Leadership

University of Exeter (UK)

PhD in Formation for Ministry

University of the Free State (South Africa)

ThD in Leadership

Veritas International University

DMin in Ministry Administration & Leadership

Virginia Christian College

DMin in Leadership & Coaching

Washington University of Virginia

ThD in Spiritual Intelligence & Leadership

Wayland Baptist University

DSL in Christian Ministry

Wesley Theological Seminary

DMin in Church Leadership Excellence

Western Seminary

DMin in Leadership, Innovation, & Theology

Western Theological Seminary

DMin in Wholehearted Leadership

Westminster Theological Seminary

DMin in Leadership

Wheaton College

DMin in Innovation, Diversity, & Sustainability or Ministry Leadership

World Mission University

DMin in Leadership Coaching & Spirituality

PhD in Leadership Coaching & Spirituality