At the heart of theological and religious studies are some of life’s core questions: Why are we here? What does it mean to be human? How do we better relate to God and our neighbor? Such questions resonate with many people, across churches, denominations, and belief systems. Studying theology is a chance to dedicate yourself to questions like these.
Not only will you deepen your religious knowledge and foster a faithful practice at theology school, but it also can be the first step in the vocational journey God is calling you to. If you are called to ordained ministry, religious non-profit work, or just want to dive deeper into God’s Word theology school is right for you.
Theology is the study of God. By attending theology school you have the opportunity to center your study, devotion, and contemplative thoughts on the One who matters most. Whether you want to be ordained or not, theology school is the best place to grow in your understanding of God. However, attending graduate school can be challenging.
Continue reading to learn more about if theology school is right for you.
What is the Right Pathway for You?
Where are you on your path? Are you just discovering a sense of your vocation, or are you ready to grow and develop through a discernment process? Taking a step back to envision the future can help you discern where you are being called.
The chart below may offer greater insight into your current stage of life.
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Vocational |
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. |
If one or a combination of these pathways reflects you, here are are five questions to ask yourself:
1. Are You Interested in Increasing Your Knowledge About Your Faith, Christianity and the Church?
Is your faith something you hold close to your heart? Do you find yourself regularly studying God and scripture? Do you take leadership roles in church, always looking for ways to serve? Do you want to learn more about Christianity and religion? If any of these questions strike a chord within you, a degree in theology is for you. You will find seminary to be a transformational experience because you will be dedicated to learning about God for its own sake. Although theological education will prepare you for many things, including ordination and Christian leadership, the most important part of it is getting to know the heart of God.
Theological education is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually and deepen your faith by learning more about the Bible, Christian teaching and participating in spiritual practices and worship. Attending seminary is a sacred time, set apart for the study of and contemplation on God. Life as a seminary student is holy. Take advantage of theological education to grow your relationship with God.
2. Can You Utilize Your Christian Leadership Skills to Teach, Preach or Live Out God's Love?
Being called to ministry doesn’t happen overnight, and discerning this call can present challenges and take years. No two call stories are alike, and the journey of a life called by God isn’t always a straightforward path. You may feel overwhelmed by the discernment process, but a call is a gift that God wants you to develop further. The key is to maintain an open spiritual posture and to listen.
You may already see yourself as a gifted teacher, preacher or justice seeker or you may be intimidated by those titles. Either way, seminary is the path to help you start developing these skills or hone your already blooming skills. Obtaining a degree from a theological school can help you clarify your calling and provide an opportunity for you to learn about, utilize, test and challenge your gifts and talents.
If you know you are called to ministry but aren’t sure what vocation you are called to, apply to seminary. There’s plenty of time to continue discerning your call in theological school where there are ample opportunities to meet denominational leaders, theologians and ministers.
3. Is There Alignment Between Your Core Being and Your Call to Ministry?
If you believe you have been called to ministry, do the skills that you currently have — and are developing — align with your call? In other words, do your aspirations and dreams of serving your community through ministry match your internal desires, motivations, and skill sets? Some people start a path toward ministry and then disregard their call due to the pursuit of other goals. If you feel torn between two goals, it may be time to look at the big picture and name what your trajectory is headed toward. Consider if there is a way to fulfill both of your dreams or if your calling and your other goals are at odds.
If you are unhappy with your current role, or you feel unfulfilled every day, choosing this new path may be the best choice for you. Full-time dedication to God and works of compassion can be very fulfilling work and God’s call should not be taken lightly. Studying God at theology school can be extremely life-giving, especially when you are following God’s call on your life.
4. Are You Ready to Respond to God's Call as a Servant Leader?
Arguably the most challenging, yet rewarding, part of ministry is offering all that you are and all that you have to God. By submitting yourself to Christ, you put God’s work and others before yourself and soon become a servant leader. Serving others and embracing God’s call on your life is a courageous act of selflessness.
Jesus sets the perfect example of servant leadership in John 13:1-17 when he washes his disciples’ feet. Even though he is the most powerful, most holy person in the room he lowers himself to the position of servant in the room. When you serve as a minister or Christian leader you become a servant to God’s church. Theology school will teach you how to become a Christian leader, but if you ask the right questions and seek out God you will also become a servant leader who humbly lives like Jesus.
5. Are You Prepared for Advanced Theological Education?
Attending graduate school is a big commitment that can require rearranging your schedule for classes and study time as well as financial planning. It takes a lot to get your head around going back to school after years of being in the workforce or even having to do another 2-3 years of school right after completing your bachelor’s degree. Although preparing for graduate school can be intimidating at first it can be easier at the right institution.
Perkins School of Theology offers hybrid programs that can save you from relocating your family and allow you to watch lectures and complete assignments on your schedule. Not only that but 98% of Perkins students receive financial aid. Seminary doesn’t have to be as expensive or as intrusive on your schedule as you may think. Explore degrees that may be right for you and trust that your needs will be provided for.
Earning a Degree in Theology from Perkins
So, is a theology degree right for you? It’s okay if you don’t have all of the answers even after reading the prompted questions. There are no right or wrong responses when entering theology school, and opening yourself up to God and God’s work.
If you’re still feeling unsure, our team at Perkins School of Theology can help!
A decision to start a new chapter of life never comes easy, but if you believe there is something deeper and more meaningful meant for you, it’s best not to ignore it, embrace it.
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.
If you’re looking for more guidance, our team is happy and ready to speak to you about your potential new journey. Please feel free to schedule a meeting with us.
Discover and learn more about discerning your call through theology school by accessing our interactive page, Discerning Your Call to Ministry: Is a Theology Degree Your Next Step?
