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Associate of Arts in Christian Leadership

This program of study facilitates an understanding of the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on exegesis using advanced hermeneutics and various exegetical resources.

Solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience.

This program of study equips students to learn and apply sound Biblical leadership training such as values, vision, planning, motivation, and organizational development to embrace, understand, and live as an effective ministry leader. All of the courses within this program may also count toward one of the bachelor’s degree programs at Manna U. In addition to the 61 credit hours of academic studies, A.A.C.L. students are required to fulfill the Leadership in Action requirement.

Objectives
  • Identify and develop a Christ-centered personal image with a strong leadership foundation to change the world by advancing the Kingdom of God.
  • Develop leaders to reach their potential in service, including mentoring, diverse teams, understanding and communicating the Word of God.
  • Provide practical ministry opportunities that transform individuals and/or organizations.

Time & Cost

Many people would like to complete a degree and stay out of debt. 

The A.A. Christian Leadership degree requires 20 courses + Student Orientation (or 61 credit hours), which can be completed in 2 years for full-time students. Courses are offered on-campus or online (can be entirely online).  Manna U’s low tuition rates enable students to receive solid biblical training from accomplished faculty with years of ministry experience and not be hindered financially.

2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Tuition Rate

$210 per credit hour

Fees

Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.

Courses

Full details can be found in the 2022-2023 Graduate Academic Catalog.

Leadership in Action

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
LIA 101Leadership in Action (Four Semesters)Pass/Fail

Student Orientation

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
ENG 107Undergraduate Student Orientation1

Bible & Theology Nonelectives

Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit Hours

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
BIB 100Destiny and Calling3
BIB 101Old Testament Survey3
BIB 103New Testament Survey3
BIB 104Hermeneutics3
BIB 201Writings of John3
THE 101Introduction to Theology3
THE 301Kingdom of God3
Total Credit Hours:21

English Nonelectives

All Students Must Take ENG 111 & ENG 112

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
ENG 111College Writing3
ENG 112Research for Writing3
Total Credit Hours:6

Math or Science Elective

Select Any Three Credit Hours

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
MTH 211College Mathematics3
MTH 230Introduction to Statistics3
SCI 310Biology3
Total Credit Hours:3

Personal Formation Nonelectives

All Students Must Complete All Six Credit Hours

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
CLG 201Spiritual Formation3
LEA 220Mentoring and Coaching3
Total Credit Hours:6

Ministry Electives

Select Any Twelve Credit Hours

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
CLG 145Leadership Practicum I(a)1.5
CLG 146Leadership Practicum I(b)1.5
CLG 247Leadership Practicum II(a)1.5
CLG 248Leadership Practicum II(b)1.5
CLG 270Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others3
CLG 282Personal Growth and Leadership3
LEA 201Ethics3
LEA 210Christian Leadership3
LEA 310Introduction to Organizational Leadership3
Total Credit Hours:12

Open Electives

Select Any Twelve Credit Hours

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
CLG 145Leadership Practicum I(a)1.5
CLG 146Leadership Practicum I(b)1.5
CLG 211Church Life3
CLG 247Leadership Practicum II(a)1.5
CLG 248Leadership Practicum II(b)1.5
CLG 270Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others3
CLG 282Personal Growth and Leadership3
CLG 351Changing the World by Making Disciples/Mentoring3
CLG 401Pastoral Ministry3
CLG 410Homiletics3
CLG 480Church Growth3
CNS 201Counseling I3
CNS 220Psychology of a Leader3
CNS 230Research Methods3
CNS 302Marriage & Family in Society3
ELE 104Transfer/Substitution Elective3
ELE 105Transfer/Substitution Elective3
ELE 106Transfer/Substitution Elective3
ELE 107Transfer/Substitution Elective3
ELE 108Transfer/Substitution Elective3
GRK 305Greek I(a)1.5
GRK 306Greek I(b)1.5
HEB 301Hebrew I3
LEA 210Christian Leadership3
LEA 310Introduction to Organizational Leadership3
LEA 330Foundations of Marketing3
MIS 130Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions3
MIS 200Missions and the Local Church3
MIS 201World Missions3
MIS 202Intercultural Communication I: General Focus3
MIS 311Intercultural Communication II: Middle East Focus3
MIS 312Intercultural Communication II: U.S. Indigenous Populations Focus3
PHL 120Philosophy of Leading Teams3
Total Credit Hours:12

Admissions

To become a student at Manna U, follow these two steps:

1.  Complete an application, which includes:

  • A non-refundable application fee of $50 (linked to application)
  • An essay, written by the applicant, of his/her conversion experience (300-600 words), in a format that is typed and double spaced, using 12 pt. font size;
  • A Pastoral Reference* from the Pastor of the church that the applicant regularly attends;
  • A Personal Reference* from someone who has known you for two years or more and is not related to you.
    Applicants will enter an email address for their selected references and a link to the online reference forms will be sent once the application is submitted.

2.  Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred).

Note: official transcripts are sent directly from one school/college to another. You can arrange to have your transcripts sent electronically to registrar@manna.edu, or a paper copy can be sent to our mailing address:

Manna University
Attn: Registrar’s Office
439 Westwood Shopping Center
PMB 106
Fayetteville, NC 28314

All applicants applying for admission to one of Manna U’s graduate programs must submit official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent academic achievement approved by Manna U’s Academic Office. Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.

Students who plan to use military education benefits must submit transcripts from high school and all colleges attended.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can you do with a degree in Christian Leadership?

    A degree in Christian Leadership from Manna U helps prepare you for leadership roles in various environments, that may include leadership within a church, ministry, non-profit or for-profit organization. Basically, whatever environment you are in, this can help prepare you to lead people, teams, ministries, organizations, and/or businesses. 

  • What type of courses are in the Christian Leadership programs?

    These undergraduate courses include Bible and Theology, General Education, Ministry, as well as Christian Leadership courses. Some of those leadership courses include the following:

      1. Mentoring and Coaching
      2. Psychology of a Leader
      3. Foundations of Marketing
      4. Servant Leadership
      5. Introduction to Organizational Leadership
      6. Collaborative Teams and Innovation
  • Why should I choose Christian Leadership over the other majors?

    The way into the future for the human race is effective good leadership. This is a broader program for those in leadership in various contexts. The other majors are more specific. If you feel called to preaching and biblical studies, the divinity program may be a better fit. The same with the intercultural, worship, and counseling programs, they are concentrated to those areas. Christian Leadership can help in all those fields since all need and have leadership components, but the focus in this program is preparing effective Christian leaders, no matter the area or field they are called.

Student Story

Mackenzie's Story

Like most of today’s college students, Mackenzie leads a busy life. Finding time for studies was a challenge on top of family, work, and serving in her local church, but she sensed the need to be more prepared for her calling.

“One of the biggest things I learned was through the Servant Leadership class. In order to lead like Jesus you need to serve like Jesus. That’s something that I’ve been able to apply from my time at Manna U to the role I’m in now.”

Effective Leaders Bring Lasting Impact

Jesus chose twelve leaders who were from differing backgrounds. Many religious leaders in that time would have overlooked them. Through teaching and training, He prepared them to lead a movement that changed the world. Whatever your call may be, training at Manna U can help you engage in this kind of transformational leadership.