For those who are passionate about theology and service, a ministry degree is a faith-forward academic option for developing the deep knowledge and ministry skills needed to lead in a faith-based capacity.
But what does a ministry degree look like? What specific ministry degree fits your long-term goals and spiritual convictions? What kind of professional and spiritual outcomes can you expect from a degree in ministry?
Let us explore four of the most valuable learning outcomes you can expect when you choose a ministry degree like a Master of Divinity (M.Div.).
#1. Theological Reflection and Spiritual Formation
Developing theological reflection abilities are integral to any ethical leader in ministry, as are nurturing spiritual practice capabilities in the form of spiritual formation. A quality ministry degree program will offer diverse courses with a combination of deep theological understanding, biblical literacy and personal spiritual growth.
When seeking a degree in ministry that will prepare you for faith-based leadership, you should prioritize finding an academic program that:
- prioritizes a mastery of theological doctrines, biblical studies and church history;
- places emphasis on personal devotion and spiritual disciplines;
- gives you the capacity to evaluate specific instances of spiritual practice from an experiential and theological standpoint.
By prioritizing a ministry degree program that is specifically focused on theological reflection and spiritual formation, you will emerge with the in-depth knowledge needed to lead in diverse faith-focused capacities.
#2. Ministerial Leadership Development and Pastoral Care Skills
Ministry degree programs cultivate servant leadership qualities and capabilities alongside the ministry skills required for effective, ethical pastoral care.
Pastoral care refers to spiritual guidance, counseling and assistance in times of need, and ultimately, the role of pastoral care is to help individuals find comfort and solace in life’s difficult circumstances. Learn more about the valuable role of pastoral care in today’s church.
An intentional focus on pastoral care skills within a ministry degree leads to a familiarity with 1) responsible church and servant leadership, 2) pastoral counseling/care and 3) insights into shepherding diverse and multicultural congregations — all incredibly important spiritual guidance principles for future leaders in ministry.
#3. Community Advocacy and Engagement
A master’s degree in ministry provides the skills and knowledge needed to harness the transformative power of faith to drive ethical change and responsible community development through service. In this way, the impacts of servant leadership can be felt across individuals and communities.
As a future leader in any ministerial capacity, it is critical that you nurture an empathetic understanding of community needs and learn to meet people where they are in their faith journeys.
A strategic, quality degree in ministry will focus on core principles of community advocacy and engagement, such as impactful community outreach and diversity and inclusion among different cultural and religious groups. Specifically, these principles will help you to demonstrate an understanding of the life of the Christian community in its historical expressions and of the interrelations between Christianity and global culture.
#4. Practical Ministry Application and Effective Preaching
Possibly the most critical learning outcome of all, ministry degree programs give you the valuable ability to bridge theory with practice through experiential learning and real-world ministry opportunities.
With a ministry degree, you will harness the day-to-day, practical ability to lead liturgy, worship and effective communication for parish audiences. This looks like:
- demonstrating the ability to plan, lead and assess the basic rituals of the church in ways appropriate to local community and to the wider Christian tradition;
- preaching effective sermons that are faithful to the biblical text and fitting to the congregation, utilizing an appropriate range of style, form and sequence appropriate to the substance of each sermon.
How will you learn to bridge the gap between theory and practice? You will have the opportunity to engage in capstone experiences such as internships, practicums and research projects that put ministry application into action. Practical, applied ministry, at Perkins School of Theology specifically, is taught through many courses, including: Biblical Studies, History of Christianity and Cultural Context, Theology and Ministerial Studies.
Earn Your Degree in Ministry at Perkins School of Theology
At Perkins School of Theology, you will have the valuable opportunity to learn with and from spiritual leaders who already have the ministry skills needed to prepare you for faith-based ministry.
Through accessible and affordable theological education, Perkins School of Theology empowers servant leaders for the modern world. We foster spiritual growth and intellectual exploration, guiding our students in not what to think, but how to.
Perkins offers a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) that is designed primarily for students who plan to be ordained clergy and serve in Word, sacrament, service and order. The M.Div. may also equip a person for other specialized ministries — depending on area of interest.
If you are ready to nurture your spiritual development with a degree in ministry, then we encourage you to book a meeting with us to discuss next steps.
