McKissic School of Christian Studies | Arkansas Baptist College

A Message from Our Dean

Phillip L. Pointer, Sr., D.Min.

Phillip L. Pointer, Sr., D.Min. Dean, School of Christian Studies · Arkansas Baptist College

"The mission of the James & Rosa McKissic School of Christian Studies is more than to offer a program — it is a sacred trust."

The James & Rosa McKissic School of Christian Studies at Arkansas Baptist College is a faith-grounded, HBCU-rooted academic initiative committed to equipping the next generation of church leaders, educators, counselors, and ministry administrators for the glory of God and the good of the world.

Whether you are called to preach, teach, counsel, administer, lead worship, or serve your community, there is a path here for you. Every course, every conversation, and every practicum hour is designed to form not just your mind — but your character and your calling.

"We are not just awarding degrees. We are releasing ministers, counselors, educators, and leaders into the world — equipped by faith, formed by scholarship, and sent with purpose."

Meet Our Faculty

PROGRAMS

Degree Offerings

You don't just enroll in a program — you enroll in a calling. Five distinct concentrations, one foundation of faith and scholarship.

Christian Education

Teach the Word

Curriculum design, teaching methodology, and educational leadership for youth, church, and denominational contexts.

Ministry of Education track
Children's & Youth Ministry
Christian school leadership

Church Administration

Lead Well. Steward Faithfully.

Organizational leadership, strategic planning, and resource stewardship for growing churches and faith-based organizations.

Church & nonprofit management
Strategic planning & budgeting
Human resource leadership

Worship Arts

Where Excellence Meets Purpose

Worship theology, sacred music history, and liturgical leadership — rooted in the HBCU worship tradition.

Worship leadership
Sacred music history
Liturgical arts coordination

Homiletics & Pastoral Leadership

Preach with Power

The craft of biblical preaching and pastoral care, grounded in the African American preaching tradition.

Expository preaching
Pastoral theology
AA preaching tradition

Christian Counseling

Heal · Counsel · Transform

B.A. in Human Services with a Concentration in Christian Counseling.

Christian counseling theory
Crisis & trauma intervention

Certificate Offerings

18-credit-hour certificates designed for bi-vocational ministers, working adults, and ministry professionals.

18 Credit Hours Online / Hybrid / In-Person

CED 303 Intro Christian Writing / Research Methods
REL 308 Church Worship & Liturgy
CED 311 Teaching Methods in Christian Ministry
CED 306 History & Philosophy of Christian Education
CED 300 Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 404 Biblical Theology for Christian Education

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18 Credit Hours Online / Hybrid / In-Person

REL 308 Church Worship & Liturgy
REL 316 Foundations for Worship Theology
REL 320 History of Sacred Music
CED 300 Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 320 Worship Leadership & Administration
MUS XX Music Elective

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18 Credit Hours Online / Hybrid / In-Person

REL 308 Church Worship & Liturgy
CED 410 Strategic Ministry Planning & Budgeting
HSH 254 Intro to Public Policy & Non-Profit Law
BAD 317 Human Resource Management
CED 300 Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 315 Leadership & Conflict Management

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18 Credit Hours Online / Hybrid / In-Person

REL 308 Church Worship & Liturgy
REL 425 Preaching in the African American Tradition
CED 300 Digital Tools in Christian Education
REL 300 Intro to Homiletics
REL 420 Pastoral Theology
CED 315 Leadership & Conflict Management

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Who These Programs Serve

Bi-Vocational Ministers Working Adults Seminary-Bound Students Mid-Career Professionals Pastors Seeking Credentials Worship Leaders Church Administrators Christian Educators Non-Ordained Ministry Staff