Bethel University is proud to announce its recognition as one of the best institutions for Best Online Master’s Programs in Indiana for 2025 by Online Master’s Colleges (OMC). This prestigious award highlights Bethel University’s commitment to providing exceptional...
Part of Bethel’s mission is to be a community of learners building lives of commitment for leadership in the Church and world. For more than 75 years, this training has been taking place on campus in Mishawaka, Ind. In recent years, Bethel has emphasized reaching beyond its physical borders through educational partnerships to build a greater impact around the world, while remaining unquestionably Christ-centered.
As its founding denomination, the Missionary Church has always been a significant partner with Bethel University. Under President Barb Bellefeuille’s leadership, the school has made stronger efforts to affirm and build upon this partnership. They’ve done this through hosting events such as Missionary Church Day at Bethel, promoting denomination-specific scholarships, inviting Missionary Church President Rodney Arnold to speak in chapel and providing content for Bethel Day with the Missionary Church the past two years.
Kristi Monesmith, academic director of AG-X, talks with an extension studies student at BU@NMC.
Another way Bethel is partnering with the church to invest in leaders beyond campus is through the Extension Studies program (BU-X). Bethel has established a network of locations around the country where students can take Bethel courses while staying involved in their local community, church or organization.
Most recently, Bethel has joined with the Africa Gospel Church and Nappanee Missionary Church (NMC) to offer Bethel’s master’s in ministry program for pastors serving in one of the largest denominations in Kenya. This program allows African pastors to remain in their communities while gaining a master’s degree from Bethel.
“I’m thrilled that [we] are partnering together to train pastors that will not only impact Kenya but East Africa,” says Dave Engbrecht, NMC pastor at large and Bethel trustee. “There’s amazing power in partnerships. This partnership has global multiplication written all over it.”
From left – Rev. Dave Engbrecht, Bishop Robert Langat, Ph.D., and Kent Eby, Ph.D., sign the Memorandum of Understanding, establishing the partnership.
After leaders from all three groups signed a memorandum of understanding last fall, the program launched with 10 pastors in the Africa Gospel Church denomination who are working toward a Bethel master’s degree. They will take part in online courses, with the plan to have Associate Professor of Missions Kent Eby, Ph.D., teach one or two courses locally in Africa each summer with instruction specific to the Africa Gospel Church.
“The nice thing about the MA in Ministry program being all online,” says Eby, “is that they can stay in their communities, and as they are learning they can pour that back into their communities. So, it keeps them relevant where they are, but also it builds them up and equips them to do more.”
As Bethel continues to develop these partnerships and others like them, the university remains committed to being unwaveringly Christ-centered in its drive to educate leaders to take their place in the Church and in the world.
(Featured Image: The congregation of Summit Church in Niles, Mich., prays over President Bellefeuille during Bethel Day with the Missionary Church.)
Corey Ringenberg ’19, originally from South Bend, Ind., completed his MBA from Bethel University 100% online – from Arizona – and just graduated in May with no debt. Because he’s worked in law enforcement for 15 years, shift work has kept him from pursuing college in a campus setting. He completed his undergraduate coursework online and decided to pursue his graduate work online, too. Currently, Ringenberg works as Chief Judicial Security for the Arizona Superior Court in Coconino County, Ariz. His MBA provides him with more opportunity for advancement, allowing him to blend philosophies from the private sector into his work in the public sector. According to Ringenberg, the Bethel difference was the amazing staff, small class sizes, personal attention, quality and dedication of faculty, and flexibility.
Bethel University is excited to offer its unique Transition to Teaching program fully online, in addition to its existing on-campus option. This will allow aspiring educators the opportunity to complete their course of study from where they live, culminating in a teacher’s license. Graduates will be prepared, not only as effective teachers, but as ethical school leaders.
“We’re excited to move forward with an online option for our Transition to Teaching program,” says Jim Bennett, Ed.D., Program Director and Department Chair for Education. “This will help busy working professionals considering the teaching profession and the needs of our community. All school districts are seeking highly qualified teachers, and this online option is another way Bethel can help meet the demands of our school partners.”
The Transition to Teaching program enables students with a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline to transition into a teaching career in just one year. Students who complete the Transition to Teaching program will also have gained over half of the credits needed for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, also offered at Bethel.
“Offering the Transition to Teaching program online allows us to reach more students, where they are,” says Luke Caldwell, Executive Director of Online, Adult and Graduate Studies. “It also provides the flexibility for busy adults to complete their coursework on their time.”
The program requires 24 credit hours for those seeking a career in elementary education (grades K-6) and 18 credit hours for those seeking a career in secondary education (grades 5-12). In addition to coursework, the program requires 15 weeks of student teaching.
“Through Canvas, an online learning management system, students will participate in active discussions, connect with instructor videos, collaborate on projects, and receive personalized feedback from experienced instructors,” says Caldwell. “The online format also fosters networking opportunities with peers from diverse backgrounds, enriching the learning experience and broadening perspectives.”
Bethel’s education programs are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Higher Learning Commission, and instructors bring real-world classroom experience into their classes. Request information and learn more.