Associate of Divinity Degree

You need to complete 20 more courses and 63 more credits to mark this activity complete.

🎓 Associate Degree in Divinity

Start Your Journey. Grow in Christ. Prepare to Lead.

Are you called to serve God but just starting your formal ministry training? The Associate Degree in Divinity at Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers a strong and flexible foundation in the Bible, theology, and practical ministry. Whether your goal is to minister in your local church, become a licensed or ordained leader, or eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree, this program is your launchpad.

“Designed to help you to become grounded in the Bible and theology, develop a biblical worldview, grow closer to Christ, and serve God in various kinds of Christian ministry and leadership.”

📘 What Is the Associate Degree in Divinity?

This fully online correspondence degree program combines academic learning with spiritual formation. It's designed to help you grow deeper in faith while gaining the skills and knowledge needed for real-world ministry. Whether you're a volunteer leader, preparing for ordination, or exploring ministry as a second career, this degree gives you the tools to serve with competence and confidence.

And if you choose to continue your education, this degree provides an excellent pathway into the Bachelor of Divinityprogram at CLI or transfer to one of our academic partners.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

Upon completion of this degree, you will be able to:

Summarize the redemptive-historical story of the Bible and identify key theological truths
Understand and articulate a biblical worldview, and contrast it with secular or competing worldviews
Practice spiritual disciplines to draw near to Christ and grow in His likeness
Apply biblical principles for ministry and develop best practices in evangelism, relationships, leadership, and communication
Think critically and communicate clearly in both written and spoken formats

💡 A Foundation for Ministry—and for Life

The Associate Degree in Divinity is more than just an academic achievement. It’s a test of your personal commitment to grow in Christ and lead with integrity. Through CLI’s online correspondence model, you’ll develop key ministry traits: self-motivation, time management, responsibility, and spiritual maturity.

This flexible format gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace while being supported by a global learning community and experienced faculty.

🚪 Opens Doors to Greater Ministry

With this degree, you’ll be prepared for:

✅ Local church and volunteer leadership
✅ Ordination pathways through the Christian Leaders Alliance
✅ Chaplaincy, evangelism, discipleship, and outreach roles
✅ Leading Bible studies, mentoring others, and serving your community
✅ Advancing to the Bachelor of Divinity program or transferring to academic partners

Whether you're called to part-time, full-time, or lay ministry, this degree gives you the tools to start well.

🏠 Serve in Part-Time to Full-Time Ministry Roles at a Local Church

Many churches need biblically trained leaders to serve in part-time or staff-support roles. With an Associate Degree in Divinity, you can:

✅ Assistant Pastor – support preaching, visitation, and pastoral care
✅ Youth Ministry Assistant – help run youth group programs and events
✅ Children’s Ministry Director or Volunteer Leader – teach kids’ classes and train volunteers
✅ Worship Team Leader – lead music or assist the worship pastor
✅ Discipleship Coordinator – run small groups and Bible studies
✅ Outreach or Evangelism Leader – organize local mission and gospel-sharing events
✅ Volunteer Coordinator – help recruit, train, and organize church volunteers
✅ Church Administrator – manage schedules, emails, communications, and events
✅ Prayer Ministry Leader – organize prayer groups and intercessory teams
✅ Christian Education Director – coordinate curriculum and adult learning classes
✅ Technology/Media Ministry Assistant – help with livestreams, slides, and social media
✅ Pastoral Assistant – support pastoral duties and church communications
✅ Visitation or Care Ministry Worker – visit shut-ins, elderly, or hospitalized members

🧭 Prepare for Ordination and Ministry Licensing

The Associate Degree meets key educational benchmarks for:

Ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance
Becoming a Licensed Christian Officiant
Stepping into chaplain assistant or local outreach ministry roles

🎓 Continue to a Bachelor’s Degree or Seminary Track

This degree builds a strong foundation for:

Advancing to the Bachelor of Divinity at CLI
Transferring to a partner school for further academic study
Preparing for seminary, graduate programs, or specialized ministry certifications

🕊️ Strengthen Your Personal Walk and Ministry Readiness

Grow in spiritual maturity through daily disciplines
Learn sound biblical theology and how to teach it to others
Understand and live out a biblical worldview
Build skills for evangelism, communication, and leadership
Apply what you learn to family, work, and your church life

🌎 Support Ministry Beyond the Church Walls

Volunteer or serve in Christian nonprofits or local missions
Write devotionals or lead online Bible studies
Become a mentor or spiritual leader in your community
Launch a small group or house church

An Associate Degree in Divinity is more than a stepping stone—it's a ministry launching pad. Whether you’re looking for a part-time church staff position, volunteer role, or academic path to full-time ministry, this degree equips you to lead, serve, and grow in your calling.

To receive the
Associate of Divinity Degree
Requires a 2.00 GPA and to
complete the following :

Level 3 Endorsement

17 courses required

1 course required

9 Units Minimum in any of these Categories:
Bible, Communication, Humanities, Interdisciplinary, Math, Ministry, Science, Social, Theology

You need 9 more Units

0 of 64 Minimum Units Completed