Bridge to Ministry Pathway

Principles

1. Creates a clear pathway to degree completion for undergraduate and graduate students in Christian Ministries (BA-CML, MACM).

2. Shortens the time to degree completion to five years (three and two respectively) from seven years (four years for the BA-CML and three years for the MACM), reducing cost for the student.

3. Provides financial incentive to encourage student participation and reduce the cost of both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4. Integrates Faith, Work, and Economics into both the curricular and co-curricular experience of the pathway students, better preparing them to support their congregations and communities of faith in holy work that is beneficial to society

5. Offers a cohort experience that encourages mutual support in learning and growth during their participation in the pathway.

6. Offers formal and informal mentoring through interactions with the Pathway Director, faculty, internship field supervisors, and others.

Benefits

Pathway participants will:

1. Be guaranteed the opportunity to complete both the BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership and the MA in Christian Ministry in five years, reducing the course of study by two years and moving them into their vocation more quickly.

2. Be eligible to receive $1,500 annually in scholarship aid for five years ($7,500 total) to help fund their university education, in addition to any other institutional, state, or federal aid for which they may qualify.

3. Be mentored formally and informally by FPU mentors and pastoral leaders with the intention of helping the students develop personal and professional knowledge, skills, and personal awareness for a successful life in ministry.

4. Have practical hands-on training opportunities through internships.

5. Develop an awareness of Faith, Works, and Economics (FWE) through curricular and co-curricular educational opportunities and experiences.

6. Receive support from faculty, staff, and student networks to help participants find success in the classroom and life.

7. Receive a robust education that trains participant with the knowledge, skills, and personal awareness needed to fulfill their vocational calling to serve God in the life of the church.

Expectations

1. Students must be admitted to the University as indicated in the University admission policies section of the Fresno Pacific University catalog.

2. Students must submit a separate application (apply at: www.fresno.edu/btm) and be admitted to the Bridge to Ministry (BTM) Accelerated Pastoral Degree Pathway (APDP). Openings in the BTM Pathway are limited with priority given to those who apply earliest and meet pathway qualifications. Pathway applications will be received until available pathway slots are filled with a priority deadline of August 1 each year. Pathway participation qualifications are as follows:

   1. Participants must indicate a commitment to pursuing pastoral ministry.

   2. All undergraduates interested are encouraged to appply, however consideration is given in the following order of priority:

      1. First-time traditional undergraduate freshman, including first time freshman with transfer credits (including waitlisted applicants from previous years);

      2. Traditional undergraduate transfer students (including waitlisted applicants from previous years);

      3. Degree completion undergraduate students (including waitlisted applicants from previous years).

   3. Participants must participate in selected Faith, Works, and Economics (FWE) co-curricular events (approximately 2-3 per Academic Year) and meet regularly with the pathway director/mentor.

   4. Be in good standing academically:

      1. Undergraduate Program:​

         1. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 University GPA, and a 3.0 program GPA.

         2. Students must take degree courses at the pace and timing recommended by their academic advisor/ BTM Pathway Director/mentor up to 18 units a semester and may include summer. If at any time a student leaves the pathway (e.g. change major or chooses not to enroll for a semester or more), they are eligible to remain in the major, but will be unlikely to complete the BA/MA degrees within the five-year timeframe.

            1. All advisor approved courses are recorded in the University's advising system on Sunbird Central for each term.

            2. A recommended schedule could look as follows:

               1. Year 1: fall-15 units, spring-15 units, summer-6 units,

               2. Year 2: fall-18 units, spring-18 units, summer-6 units,

               3. Year 3: fall-18 units, spring-18 units, summer-6 units

         3. Students who fall below either the University or academic program GPA expectations will be put on pathway probation for one semester to work with their academic advisor to get back to standard.

            1. If after one semester the student is successful at regaining a 2.0 University and a 3.0 program GPA, then they shall be allowed to continue to receive the benefits of the BTM pathway.

            2. If after one semester the student is unsuccessful at regaining a 2.0 University GPA or a 3.0 program GPA, the student loses the opportunity to continue in the BTM pathway and loses the benefits unique to that pathway including any scholarship monies attached to participation in the BTM pathway. A student may appeal the decision to be discontinued in the BTM pathway.

            3. Any student who loses the opportunity to participate BTM pathway, may continue to pursue their BA in CML and their University degree provided they meet the minimum academic expectations of the University as spelled out elsewhere in the University catalog.

               1. Students must pass the following undergraduate classes with a B or better to be eligible for Advanced Standing with admission to the FPU Biblical Seminary: 

                  BIB 100/300	MIN 397
                  BLIT 301-499	MIN 398
                  MIN 360	MIN 399
                  MIN 378	MIN 470
                  MIN 392	REL 455

         4. In the sixth semester of undergraduate study (not including any summer semesters), the student will apply for Seminary admission.

            1. All BTM students must meet Seminary admission expectations including as stated in the University's Graduate Catalog under Biblical Seminary "Admissions Requirement." Failure to meet admission expectations will result in termination from the BTM pathway, though students may still earn the Christian Ministry & Leadership degree providing they meet all requirements and expectations for the degree and University graduation.

            2. BTM students who apply and have not yet completed the BA but otherwise meet Seminary admission requirements will be permitted to begin taking Seminary courses as a non-matriculated student with full admission to be granted upon providing proof of BA in Christian Ministry & Leadership degree completion.

            3. Students will be responsible for working with Student Financial Services (SFS) to arrange an appropriate payment strategy pending final admission.

      2. Graduate Program: 

         1. Once admitted to the MA in Christian Ministry program, student will continue to take courses as advised (ranging between 9-15 units per semester as determined in consultation with the MACM academic advisor) which may include summer.

         2. Students must maintain at least a 2.5 Seminary GPA

         3. Students who fall below either the Seminary GPA expectations will be put on probation for one semester to work with their academic advisor to get back to standard.

            1. If after one semester the student is successful at regaining a 2.5 seminary GPA, then they shall be allowed to continue to receive the benefits of the BTM pathway.

            2. If after one semester the student is unsuccessful at regaining a 2.5 program GPA, the student loses the opportunity to continue in the BTM pathway and loses the benefits unique to that pathway including any scholarship monies attached to participation in the BTM pathway.

            3. Any student who loses the opportunity to participate BTM pathway, may continue to pursue their MACM degree provided they meet the minimum academic expectations of the Seminary as spelled out elsewhere in the University's Graduate Catalog.

To Apply

To apply for the Bridge to Ministry pathway, contact the Bridge to Ministry admission representative at 559-453-2323 or BTM@fresno.edu, or the program director, Darren Duerksen, Ph.D., at 559-453-2265 or darren.duerksen@fresno.edu.

Note to Students not Eligible for BTM Pathway

Students who do not qualify for the Bridge to Ministry pathway may still be eligible for Advanced Standing at the FPU Biblical Seminary and may be able to complete both the BA in CML and MACM degrees in an accelerated timeframe. Speak to your admission representative, the BTM pathway director, or CML program director for more information.