Deciding to begin a journey through graduate school can be a difficult decision to make. You may question whether furthering your education will make an impact on your life. But for those who are considering entering theology school, it could be argued that this decision can be even more difficult.
Following Christ’s call to love and leadership is not something that should be overlooked. Not only will studying theology deepen your knowledge of religion and foster a faith-seeking understanding, but it can also be applied to your future pathway.
People study theology for various reasons and there are many unique pathways for all who earn ministry or theology degrees. Some earn the degree to enhance their personal and communal lives, some pursue a degree as a pathway toward furthering education and others utilize the degree in their professional workplace or to further their vocational ministry.
Whatever the reason may be, deciphering whether theology school is the right choice for you can be overwhelming. We hope that after reading this, it will help make your decision easier. Continue reading to explore if theology school is right for you.
Do I Want to Deepen My Understanding of the Bible and Christianity?
Do you find the Bible and religious studies interesting? Do you enjoy learning about religion? If you said “yes,” chances are good that deepening your understanding of Christianity and the Bible would be enjoyable and fruitful for your journey.
Do I Want to Strengthen My Christian Leadership Skills?
In order to strengthen your Christian leadership skills, you must challenge yourself. Strengthening your Christian leadership skills is not an easy task, although it is extremely rewarding, as serving Christ and others can truly open your eyes and fulfill your life with meaning and purpose. If you want to become a better leader, strengthening your leadership skills will help.
What Ministry Degree Pathway is Best For Me?
Are you just discovering a sense of vocation, or are you ready to grow and develop through learning and discerning? Taking a step back and envisioning the future you want for yourself can help decipher your goals. The chart below may offer a greater insight into your current stage of life.
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Vocational Ministry |
Lay Ministry |
Non-Profit Work |
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Career Changer |
It’s time for something different! I am no longer fulfilled in my current vocation and my calling feels big — a pastor, chaplain or something like that. I need more training for ordination and to better understand people and theology. |
I have been in my career for a long time and I’m pretty satisfied in my field. But I want more training to become a better church member, small group leader and parent. I also want to know how to more deeply integrate the tenets of my Christian faith into my workplace. |
I think God is calling me to something different but it’s not in the church. I am interested in full-time non-profit work, or I am interested in being involved more in faith-based non-profit work or boards |
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Recent Graduate |
Ministry may or may not have always been in view, but recently I feel the call to full-time ministry, and I need more training in order to meet ordination requirements and/or meeting minimum qualification standards. |
I don’t see myself as a full-time minister, but the role I play in my church (as a volunteer) is significant. I want to make sure I am living out my faith at my job, and I think learning more will help me offer my church family (and my own family) my very best. |
I want to be a part of something bigger. I’m not exactly sure what this will look like yet - maybe I’ll volunteer more, maybe an eventual career change, but I think furthering my education is going to help. |
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Current Student |
My bachelor’s degree program isn’t finished yet, but I am feeling called to full-time service. Graduate school was in my future anyway, so I want to explore the options that might fit with my future in ministry and the church. |
Campus ministry and/or my faith have really been important to me, and I want to understand more how I can make an impact through lay ministry, as I move into my future. I don’t think this will be my career, but I want more education. |
I feel like just a small part of the puzzle, but I want my future career to make a big impact. I don’t think I am called to full-time ministry, but I’m captivated by non-profit and humanitarian work. |
Am I Being Called to Ministry?
Some have a clear call or feel an internal prompting to be involved in vocational ministry or community service. Others may be searching for a more clear spiritual direction. There is not one right way to discern your call to ministry.
Discerning your call to ministry may not just happen overnight. It could take years of learning more about who you are in Christ, what kind of servant leadership role most resonates with you and what role in the church and your community that God wants you to play. But, if you are feeling a pull toward serving, chances are, this is your sign.
Do I Want to Continue My Education in Religious Studies?
Are you passionate about your faith? Is it something close to you? If it is, that’s great! If not, you can still learn how to grow deeper into your faith, if it is something you’d like to explore. You also might be interested in learning more about religion and don’t know where to begin. Theology school can help every individual who is facing different situations with their faith.
Is Answering the Call of God and Becoming a Servant Leader Something I’m Ready For?
The most challenging — yet rewarding — part of servant leadership is offering all that you are and all that you have to God, and seeing the face of God in all that you encounter. Serving others and embracing God’s call on your life is a courageous act of selflessness. And although making your wants and needs secondary to God’s might be difficult at first, it is one of the most rewarding parts of servant leadership.
What Can I Do With a Ministry or Theology Degree?
There are many different outcomes depending on the degree that you ultimately earn. With a ministry or theology degree, some of the roles you can fulfill are:
- Deacon
- Elder
- Church staff position
- Youth minister
- Choir director
- Non-profit work
- Counselor
- Higher ed theology professor/faculty
- Missionary
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Director of campus ministry/spiritual life
- Bereavement coordinator
- Client-facing careers (e.g.,: consultants, physicians, advisors, marketers)
We strongly encourage you to check with the ordaining body of your denomination before beginning your pathway.
Will Getting a Theological Education Help Me to Strengthen My Personal or Professional Life?
At Perkins School of Theology, we are a diverse community that welcomes all Christian voices. We honor your unique worth, and strive to prepare you with the theological study needed to emphasize and bring your gifts and talents to life.
Education at Perkins is about discerning who you are and who you want to become. Here, you will be challenged to utilize and test your gifts, which will overall strengthen both your personal and professional life.
Earning a Degree in Theology From Perkins
Move fully into the life of service to which God has called you. Whether your vocation is as pastor, educator, musician, youth leader, scholar or committed layperson, the faculty and staff of Perkins will guide you to gather the resources — spiritual and intellectual — to answer your special calling.
Won’t you join us?
At Perkins, we offer many different graduate programs and pathways for your vocational goals.
Looking for more guidance?
How can you discern your call with a theology or ministry degree?
