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Associate of Arts in Christian Leadership
This program of study is designed to provide intensive training for students who are called to ministry in the church or the workplace.
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.
Outcomes
- Educate (In-depth Leadership Theory and Biblical Integration): Students have an in-depth education in leadership, theology, and biblical studies, enabling them to understand and apply biblical principles to leadership and management contexts.
- Equip (Advanced Communication and Leadership Skills): Students will have advanced skills necessary for clear communication, critical thinking, and decision-making in ministry contexts, including the integration of a biblical worldview into practical leadership scenarios.
- Empower (Comprehensive Practical Experience and Organizational Impact): Students will have comprehensive practical experiences designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in ministry or business leadership.
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.
2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Tuition Rate
$250 per credit hour
Fees
- Application Fee: $50
- Technology Fee: $325 per trimester
- Graduation Fee: $200
Scholarships are available for students who do not use military education benefits or federal financial aid.
Courses
Full details can be found in the most recent academic catalog.
Student Orientation
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 107 | Undergraduate Student Orientation | 1 |
Bible & Theology Nonelectives
Students Must Complete All Twenty-One Credit Hours
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| BIB 100 | Destiny and Calling | 3 |
| BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIB 103 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BIB 201 | Writings of John | 3 |
| THE 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
| THE 301 | Kingdom of God | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 | |
English Nonelectives
All Students Must Take ENG 111 & ENG 112
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ENG 111 | College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Research for Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 | |
Math or Science Elective
Select Any Three Credit Hours
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| MTH 211 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| MTH 230 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| SCI 310 | Biology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 | |
Personal Formation Nonelectives
All Students Must Complete All Six Credit Hours
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 201 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| LEA 220 | Mentoring and Coaching | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 | |
Ministry Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I(a) | 1.5 |
| CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I(b) | 1.5 |
| CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II(a) | 1.5 |
| CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II(b) | 1.5 |
| CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 |
| CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 |
| LEA 201 | Ethics | 3 |
| LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 |
| LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
Open Electives
Select Any Twelve Credit Hours
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours | ||
| CLG 145 | Leadership Practicum I(a) | 1.5 | ||
| CLG 146 | Leadership Practicum I(b) | 1.5 | ||
| CLG 211 | Church Life | 3 | ||
| CLG 247 | Leadership Practicum II(a) | 1.5 | ||
| CLG 248 | Leadership Practicum II(b) | 1.5 | ||
| CLG 270 | Facilitating Leadership and Growth in Others | 3 | ||
| CLG 282 | Personal Growth and Leadership | 3 | ||
| CLG 351 | Changing the World by Making Disciples/Mentoring | 3 | ||
| CLG 401 | Pastoral Ministry | 3 | ||
| CLG 410 | Homiletics | 3 | ||
| CLG 480 | Church Growth | 3 | ||
| CNS 201 | Counseling I | 3 | ||
| CNS 220 | Psychology of a Leader | 3 | ||
| CNS 230 | Research Methods | 3 | ||
| CNS 302 | Marriage & Family in Society | 3 | ||
| ELE 104 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
| ELE 105 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
| ELE 106 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
| ELE 107 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
| ELE 108 | Transfer/Substitution Elective | 3 | ||
| GRK 305 | Greek I(a) | 1.5 | ||
| GRK 306 | Greek I(b) | 1.5 | ||
| LEA 210 | Christian Leadership | 3 | ||
| LEA 310 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 | ||
| LEA 330 | Foundations of Marketing | 3 | ||
| MIS 130 | Concepts in Leading Short-Term Missions | 3 | ||
| MIS 200 | Missions and the Local Church | 3 | ||
| MIS 201 | World Missions | 3 | ||
| MIS 202 | Intercultural Communication I: General Focus | 3 | ||
| MIS 311 | Intercultural Communication II: Middle East Focus | 3 | ||
| MIS 312 | Intercultural Communication II: U.S. Indigenous Populations Focus | 3 | ||
| PHL 120 | Philosophy of Leading Teams | 3 | ||
| 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.
In addition, Doctoral students require:
- At least three years of ministry experience and must hold an appropriate master’s degree plus no less than 15 credit hours in Bible or Theology from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
- Additionally, students will be interviewed by the Chief Academic Officer before acceptance.
2. Order your official high school, G.E.D., or previous college transcripts (minimum 2.0 GPA is preferred for Undergraduate Applicants, and a minimum 2.75 GPA is preferred for Graduate and Doctoral Applicants).
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
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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.
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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:
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- Mentoring and Coaching
- Psychology of a Leader
- Foundations of Marketing
- Servant Leadership
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Collaborative Teams and Innovation
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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.
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.
