Church Planting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Church Planting is a specialized academic discipline focused on equipping individuals with the strategic, theological, and practical knowledge needed to initiate and sustain new Christian communities in underserved or unchurched areas. This program emphasizes both the spiritual foundations and operational frameworks essential for effective, sustainable ministry in diverse cultural contexts.
- Church Planting Models: Exploration of proven frameworks—such as the contextual, network, and indigenous models—that guide the formation of new congregations based on local needs and cultural realities.
- Church Multiplication Strategies: Study of dynamic approaches to expanding church networks through intentional replication, leadership development, and community engagement.
- Church Leadership Development: Training in pastoral care, team building, conflict resolution, and administrative oversight required to lead a new church through its formative stages.
- Evangelism and Discipleship: In-depth examination of biblically grounded methods for sharing the Christian message and nurturing new believers into mature followers of Christ.
- Missiology: Academic study of the global mission of the Church, including cross-cultural communication, theological reflection on mission, and the historical evolution of Christian outreach.
- Christian Ethics in Practice: Analysis of moral decision-making in ministry, addressing issues such as justice, integrity, stewardship, and ethical leadership in community settings.
- Mission-Oriented Theology: Integration of theological principles with practical mission goals, focusing on the Church’s role in transforming societies through service, witness, and spiritual renewal.
Church Planting Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Church Planting Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Church Planting degrees, including Religious Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 12,170 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Workers, All Other 21-2099 | $45,120 | $29,120 - $75,920 | 12,170 | $21.69 |
Church Planting Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $21,760 in Kansas to $60,330 in New Jersey—a 177% difference. The highest-paying states include New Jersey, Washington, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 12,170 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Church Planting by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Church Planting programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Church Planting is found at Liberty University (5 graduates), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) (2 graduates), Regent University (2 graduates), and Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University |
Master's
|
5 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) |
Master's
|
2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | nobts.edu |
| Regent University |
Master's
|
2 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | regent.edu |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) |
Associate's
|
1 | Bartlesville, Oklahoma | Private | okwu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Church Planting programs
How much can I earn with a Church Planting degree?
Salaries for Church Planting graduates vary by role and location. Religious Workers, All Other earn a median of $45,120 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Jersey average $60,330 compared to $21,760 in Kansas. Approximately 12,170 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Church Planting programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Church Planting degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Liberty University (5 graduates), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) (2 graduates), and Regent University (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Church Planting degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Religious Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 12,170 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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