Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Christian Ministry
B.Min.
Preparing students for practical ministry in the local church through the study of Scripture, discipleship, counseling, and Christian leadership development.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Christian Ministry program is designed to prepare students for practical ministry within the church. The primary emphasis is placed on counseling, discipleship, ministry organization, and the development of interpersonal ministry skills.
Students grow in mentoring, church ministry organization, and effective interaction with people in ministry contexts.
The program combines theological preparation with practical application of biblical principles in life and ministry.
“Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11
At a Glance
Degree
Bachelor’s degree (B.Min.)
Length
6 years total (two three-year cycles)
Language
Russian (primary)
Format
Hybrid sessions (Friday evening & Saturday) + independent study
Open to
Open to men and women
Ministry focus
Counseling, discipleship, ministry organization
Credits
24 bachelor’s-level credits
Who Is This For?
Is this program right for you?
This program is designed for students who:
- are actively involved in church ministry
- participate in discipleship and mentoring
- serve in various church ministries
- desire to develop practical ministry skills
- seek to better understand and serve people effectively
Applicants must meet the Institute's admission requirements, including church membership and prior completion of the required program. See requirements →
What You'll Learn
Key areas of study
01
Discipleship and mentoring
02
Biblical counseling
03
Evangelism
04
Organization of church ministries
05
Christian ethics
06
Apologetics
07
Comparative theology
08
Practical application of Scripture in ministry
Curriculum
Academic plan
The bachelor's program serves as a continuation of the associate-level program and assumes prior or parallel completion of the foundational program. The degree is awarded upon completion of the required credits below (200 — bachelor's level).
Theology — 6 credits
- TH 201 · Christian Ethics — 3 cr.
The biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics: moral decision-making, character formation, and the application of biblical principles in various life situations. - TH 202 · Apologetics — 3 cr.
The foundations of Christian apologetics, including elements of logic, philosophy, and worldview analysis, and approaches to major challenges to the Christian faith in contemporary society.
History — 3 credits
- HI 203 · Slavic Baptist History and Theology — 3 cr.
An overview of the history of the Slavic Evangelical Baptist brotherhood and its theological heritage: key stages of development, doctrinal distinctives, and ministry practices.
Ministry Practice — 6 credits
- PM 204 · Biblical Counseling — 3 cr.
The foundations of biblical counseling as a ministry within the Church: principles of counseling, the nature of spiritual and personal struggles, and pathways toward biblical change. - PM 205 · Evangelism and Discipleship — 3 cr.
The biblical foundations of evangelism and discipleship: the goals of the Christian life, methods and approaches to evangelism, and the process of spiritual mentoring.
Specialization Electives — 9 credits
- SP 206 · Christian Marriage and Family — 1.5 cr.
The biblical foundations of marriage and family life: the relationship between husband and wife, the raising of children, and the role of the family in the life of the Church. - SP 207 · Hymnology — 1.5 cr.
The theology and history of Christian hymns and sacred music, their role in worship and in the spiritual formation of believers. - SP 210 · Comparative Theology — 3 cr.
Major Christian denominations, world religions, and religious movements, their doctrinal distinctives and differences from biblical Christianity.
Source: Academic Catalog 2026–27. Each branch maintains its own schedule of offered courses. Download the catalog (PDF)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- apply biblical principles in various forms of practical ministry;
- participate in the organization and development of church ministries;
- provide counseling and mentoring;
- interact effectively with people in ministry contexts;
- develop and use spiritual gifts in ministry.
Learning Format
Designed for students balancing study with work, family responsibilities, and church ministry. Courses are offered through a hybrid session format and include:
- classroom instruction;
- independent study;
- reading assignments;
- written coursework;
- participation in practical ministry.
Ministry Opportunities
- discipleship and mentoring
- counseling ministry
- small group ministry
- youth ministry
- organization of church ministries
- missionary and evangelistic ministry
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Be born-again believers, baptized upon confession of faith, and members of an Evangelical Baptist church for at least two years*
- Agree with and sign the doctrinal statement of Alliance Bible Institute
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent secondary education
- Submit all required documents, including a recommendation from a local church pastor
- Demonstrate motivation for study and Christian ministry
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program take?
Academic study at the Institute is organized in three-year cycles. One cycle is required for the Associate Degree (A.Th.), an additional cycle for a bachelor's degree (six years total), and another cycle for the master's degree (nine years total).
Can I study while working full-time?
Yes. The learning format is designed for students who are employed, enrolled in other educational programs, and actively involved in ministry. Each session consists of approximately 11 contact hours (Friday evening and Saturday) and about 22 hours of independent study.
May assignments be completed in English?
The primary language of instruction is Russian. Assignments may be completed in English with the approval of the instructor.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Transfer credits may be considered upon admission. Only courses completed with a grade of C (72%) or higher may be accepted, and no more than 30% of the total credits required for a program may be transferred. The President of the Institute makes the final decision.
Is there a practicum?
Each academic program includes a summer practicum completed either within a local church or in a missionary ministry context. Students are informed of the specific requirements prior to the summer break.
Ready to Begin?
If you desire to develop practical ministry skills and become more effective in serving within the local church, the Bachelor of Christian Ministry program can become an important step in your spiritual and ministry development.