As you consider answering the call to pursue a theological education, you have a variety of choices to make: analyzing what type of ministry degree is right for you; evaluating how you want to exercise your servant leadership skills; and determining how you can specialize your knowledge base in order to become the best Baptist leader you can be.
One of the ways to strategically establish yourself as a leader in the Baptist faith is by prioritizing a ministry degree where you can pursue a Baptist Studies Concentration.
Let’s explore some of the reasons you should focus on Baptist studies when preparing yourself for Christian ministry.
Reason 1: The Baptist Faith Needs New Leaders
Research today shows us that there is a significant need for knowledgeable, ethical and biblically-literate Baptist leaders. With many of those in Baptist ministry exiting their roles due to age, this presents a new opportunity for the next generation to answer the call to pursue a role in Baptist leadership.
If you’re looking to fulfill a much-needed role in Baptist Christian ministry, then it’s important to equip yourself with knowledge of Baptist church theology. One way to do this is by pursuing a Baptist Studies Concentration that prepares you to analyze the social, cultural, political and economic dynamics that affect Baptist congregations.
Reason 2: Baptist Studies Teach Pastoral and Spiritual Leadership
Being a responsible and ethical leader is critical in all faith-based environments. As a future contributor to Baptist Christian ministry, it’s crucial that you learn the important pastoral care and spiritual leadership skills that will promote relationship-building both within and beyond congregational settings.
A Baptist Studies Concentration will prepare you to model effective spiritual development and servant leadership skills in diverse settings — whether you want to serve in a ministerial capacity or some other leadership role.
Reason 3: Baptist Studies Are Often Required for Ordination
Certain Baptist denominations require ordination candidates to take a Baptist history and polity class. By choosing a Baptist Studies Concentration, students have the opportunity to learn more about what it means to be Baptist and also prepare for diverse roles within a Baptist leadership context.
Those seeking ordination in Baptist denominations and anyone who wants to know more about the history, polity and theology of the Baptist movement will benefit from obtaining a Baptist Studies Concentration.
Reason 4: The Baptist Studies Concentration is Accessible and Quick
Pursuing an academic concentration of any kind often requires taking extra classes, but at Perkins School of Theology, the Baptist Studies Concentration requires students to take only three additional classes.
Two of these classes are specialized elective courses focused on 1) Baptist History and Polity and, 2) Theology in the Baptist and Free Church Traditions, and the third class required for the concentration can be selected from a variety of courses.
These classes are offered online — making them flexible and accessible to complete along with your other studies.
Theological Education Begins at Perkins
Ethical and knowledgeable Baptist leaders are needed now more than ever. As a future servant within Baptist Christian ministry, you deserve to pursue a ministry degree that will expand your servant leadership skills and build your theological knowledge.
A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is an excellent option that also allows for concentrating in an area of theological studies, such as the Baptist Studies Concentration. Perkins School of Theology is also home to a physical and spiritual space specifically for future Baptist leaders: the Baptist House of Studies (BHS).
Whether your vocation is pastor, educator, musician or academic, Perkins is here to provide the essential resources to help you answer your special calling. If you’re ready to nurture your Baptist leadership skills with a degree in ministry and a Baptist Studies Concentration, then we encourage you to book a meeting with us to discuss next steps.
Explore the value of Perkins’ Baptist House of Studies
