Joseph C. Grana II, D.Min., Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies
// PLAY VIDEO //
As Jesus is the head of the church, so is he the head of Hope International University. As the Gospel is to be lived out in the world, so Ministry is the heartbeat of Hope International University. As Scripture is God’s expression of love to us, so the Bible is the lifeblood of Hope International University.
Our University believes in the priesthood of all believers. This statement means that all Christians are ministers regardless of their occupations. However, Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies exists to train professional leaders for church and parachurch ministry.
Our philosophy is one of education and experience. We stress analytical thinking about life, ministry, theology, and Scripture. You will be challenged and stretched as you dig into the Biblical text. You will be educated experientially as well as academically. An extensive practicum is expected in your chosen area of ministry. You will be mentored and have hands-on experience. The classroom and ‘real world’ will be married in a harmonious manner.
My hope is that you will share your journey with us. My hope is that you will let us share our journey with you. My dream is that you fulfill your dreams. Welcome to Hope! Welcome to Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies!
Joseph C. Grana II, D.Min.
Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies
Biblical StudiesThe Biblical Studies major grounds students in the knowledge and interpretation of the Old and New Testaments and prepares them for a wide variety of career opportunities, including preaching and teaching in the local church. |
Children & Family MinistryAt Hope, Children and Family Ministry students learn how to create programs that nurture and challenge children to spiritual growth and how to serve under or alongside church pastoral staff. |
Church MinistryAt Hope, the Church Ministry major prepares students with skills that will serve as a foundation for pastoral ministry. |
Intercultural Studies (Missions)At Hope, the Intercultural Studies major prepares students to relate to people of diverse cultures, lead them to Christ, and guide them into a relevant life. |
Youth & Family MinistryAt Hope, the Youth and Family Ministry major teaches students to effectively minister to youth and families in today's rapidly changing culture. |
Intercultural Studies - Specialized ConcentrationAt Hope, the Intercultural Studies major prepares students to relate to people of diverse cultures, lead them to Christ, and guide them into a relevant life. |
Music & Worship ArtsHIU's CENTER FOR MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS provides students with the opportunity to impact the world as future worship leaders as they learn in the classroom and in real ministry settings. Students will learn from accomplished artists and practitioners. |
Church MinistryAt Hope, the Church Ministry major prepares students with skills that will serve as a foundation for pastoral ministry. |
Intercultural StudiesThe ICS minor allows students to become prepared to relate effectively with people of diverse contexts in today's world. |
Youth & Family MinistryThis minor is designed to allow the student to focus on youth ministry courses while pursuing another major. |
Sports MinistryThis minor is designed to allow the student to focus on sports ministry courses while pursuing another major. |
Worship ArtsThe Worship Arts minor offered by the Department of Music is designed to supplement any other undergraduate major studies program and assists the student in preparation for leadership in the field of Worship, Church Music Ministry, or Fine Arts. |
We believe that one to two years of residency is critical for a ministry student to be prepared upon graduation. The more experience you have when you graduate, the more prepared you’ll be to lead. Therefore we have incorporated a one to two year residency requirement into all of our Ministry, Bible, Worship Arts, and Intercultural Studies degrees. During the residency, students will earn credit for ministry experience at a church close to the Fullerton campus or even out of state.
Residency experiences vary greatly depending on several factors such as: mission of the church, department you serve in, who you ministry coach is, and the number of hours you need to work. Having said that, you’ll be embedded on a church staff where you will share the responsibility of the work load in that department, attend staff meetings, and lead people. You’ll be receiving credit (and therefore a grade) for your time in residency, so there are weekly journals, reading requirements assigned by your church, and an end of semester evaluation. And don’t forget, you’re still a full time student, so there’s coursework to keep up with and classes to attend.
We have developed partnerships with dozens of churches both locally and around the country. These churches know how to develop a ministry leader, and have agreed to meet several criteria. They must then apply and be accepted before taking a resident. If you know of a church who would like to apply, they may do so using the steps below.
Partner churches often visit campus to meet students and recruit for their program. After that, they may ask you to fill out an application, do a phone interview, or visit their church. It functions much like it would if you were applying for a job. And you’ll always have the advisement of our staff and faculty to help you make the right choice.
Intercultural Studies majors have the option of completing their residency credits overseas over a period of 7-12 months. Other majors may also be eligible for a residency outside the United States, chosen in consultation with their academic advisors. HIU provides training to assist students in raising support for these life-changing experiences.
