For many students, a degree in theology is a step towards their calling to work in the church. A theology degree is a good place to start for anyone wanting to pursue their faith, whether as a minister, a pastor or a youth worker. Many theology students go into further study, teaching or careers in a wide variety of fields. Students learn a wide variety of skills through theology, like critical thinking, clear writing, problem solving and analysis of social and historical trends.
These lend themselves to any number of different jobs. For this reason, theology students go on to work as journalists, politicians, accountants, police officers, interior designers; the spectrum of possibilities is almost limitless. A substantial percentage of theology graduates train for a career in law. The ethical aspect of theology lends itself to a career in the third sector, and many graduates end up working for charities and non-governmental organisations, either with a religious mission or without.
A look at some famous theology graduates shows just how dynamic a degree in this subject can be. Jack Gleeson who played Joffrey Lannister from Game of Thrones enrolled as a theology student, after his time on the show. One of the most inspiring theology graduates is Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who earned his doctorate in theology at the University of Boston in the same year he led the Montgomery bus boycott. Read more: Best universities for arts and humanities degrees.
Discipleship is about following Jesus and his Lordship and his mission in the world. Discipleship is about recognizing that there is one great story in human history—this is the story of God the Father and of his salvation in Jesus Christ.
At theological college, we challenge students to pursue true discipleship. And we equip students to make and multiply disciples. Our passion for multiplying leaders, ministries, and churches—and our enthusiasm for theological education and ministry training—is ultimately about our passion for making disciples.
This is the case of many in the global church. When I travel in those parts of the world, I see their hunger for learning Bible and theology and ministry skills. One of the challenges facing us today is how to support these churches. How do we help them gain affordable access to training and education, while supporting and developing local educators? How do we support access to theological education and ministry training, without repeating the mistakes of colonialism?
Among other strategies, this will involve investing in strong local theological colleges. As they build capacity and nurture local educators, they also train and equip local pastors, evangelists, theologians, and church planters. Established theological colleges in the Global North and Global South can partner with such colleges and with churches wanting to establish new colleges. They can do this for the sake of supporting and growing indigenous and local education and churches.
Here are some qualities of character and spiritual life described in the Bible. These are exemplary rather than exhaustive. Great Bible and theological colleges strive to help you grow and mature in these areas, as they work with local churches to prepare and support you to lead and serve:.
He has planted and pastored churches and been in theological education for twenty years. Graham writes at grahamjosephhill. Copying and republishing this article on other Web sites, or in any other place, without written permission is prohibited. Hi Graham- these are great points. What is the most compelling reason for developing thoughtful, praxis orientated church leaders?
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Comment. So, why go to Bible and theological college? Here are 15 reasons. Why go to seminary or theological college? Click To Tweet 1. To be equipped for ministry and service We all need equipping, no matter what kind of ministry God calls us to.
To be empowered for witness and mission in a changing world The world is changing rapidly, and God calls his church to join with him in his mission. To be a part of a prophetic movement God calls his church to be a distinct people, with a distinct ethic, a distinct story, a distinct peace, a distinct community, a distinct diversity, and a distinct witness.
To be built up and released in your gifts God has given you gifts and abilities to enrich the church. To be inspired to grow in Christlikeness and integrity These days, we often look for charisma and competency when we look for leaders.
To be stretched in your thinking and understanding Great theological colleges expand and challenge your thinking and understanding. To be equipped to understand and apply the Bible I loved learning how to read, interpret, and apply the Bible at theological college!
To be exposed to a global and historical faith that is deep and wide Most of us who go to theological college have only been exposed to the faith of a small group of churches. To be given access to outstanding leaders and scholars One of the things I loved about theological college was having access to world-class specialists.
To be inspired to love Jesus more deeply Picking up on the words of Terry Walling, I tell my students that finishing well in ministry is about being more in love with Jesus when you finish than when you began. To be inspired to step out in faith, to pioneer, and to rely on God Going to theological college is often a step of faith.
To be inspired to build a vibrant personal relationship with God We need a vibrant personal relationship with God to sustain ministry and discipleship for the long haul. To be introduced to life-giving and lifelong relationships Many people form lifelong friendships while at theological college.
Appendix: Spiritual and personal qualities that theological colleges strive to instill in you Here are some qualities of character and spiritual life described in the Bible. Great Bible and theological colleges strive to help you grow and mature in these areas, as they work with local churches to prepare and support you to lead and serve: Poor in spirit.
Willing to mourn or be persecuted for righteousness sake. Merciful, meek, and pure of heart. Peacemakers, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel. Matt , Demonstrating the characteristics and qualities of a servant. Mk Serving the Lord with humility. Faithful proclamation of the Gospel. Acts Keeping watch over oneself and the flock as faithful shepherds. Being transformed by the renewing of the mind. Never lacking in zeal.
Rom Honoring all members of the Body of Christ and their unique spiritual gifts 1 Cor Demonstrating the qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians Setting forth the truth plainly. Preaching the Lord Jesus Christ. Persevering under trials. Gal Demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal Crucifying the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Living by the Spirit, while keeping in step with Him. Being completely humble and gentle and patient. Maintaining unity in the Church. Building up the body of Christ toward maturity and the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph Speaking the truth in love with a view to the whole body growing up into Christ. Eph Considering everything loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ, for whose sake they have lost all things.
Depending on your program, you may also learn practical skills, such as interpersonal relations, counseling, and religious leadership. While it may seem like splitting hairs, the differences between a bachelor of arts BA with a major in theology and a BTh bachelor of theology are worth highlighting.
The BTh is a somewhat shorter program, taking as little as three years to complete. It focuses more specifically on theology courses and is a good choice if you know that you want to go into ministry.
The BA with a major in theology, on the other hand, is a more rounded liberal arts education with a focus on theology courses. To add one more wrinkle, some schools also offer a BS bachelor of science in theology. As with the associate degree, this will come with a heavier emphasis on science courses. Most schools offer either a BA or BS, but not both. The master of theology ThM is a postgraduate degree that takes one to two years to complete.
These programs require specialized advanced courses in theological research. A master of theology could also help you take the next step toward a Ph. A ThM degree will allow you to teach theological subjects in some accredited seminaries and graduate schools.
This degree is also commonly held by ministers, religious counselors, or chaplains. The coursework you do in your ThM program can reduce the credit requirement of your doctoral program, and improves your overall qualifications as you seek to advance in your career. A master of divinity MDiv , on the other hand, is preferable if you plan to go directly into ministry.
Your courses will focus more on leadership and administrative skills, preparing you to take on pastoral duties. If you do choose to enter a doctorate program after an MDiv program, that option is still open to you. The doctorate is the terminal degree in theology. Some learning will happen in church worship services. Others need a book to help them understand the Bible. Some of the most influential Christ-followers in history spent three years following their friend, teacher, and savior through the Israeli countryside.
Do you have a desire to read before you act? Do you like to talk about concepts before you move? Your answers to those questions give some clues as to your preferred learning style.
Not every Christian should build their learning plan around seminary. Generally speaking, a seminary is a graduate school that offers Christians a distinctly theological education. This education marries understanding of God and His Word with real life skills so that students minister with excellence in the church community and the world.
Seminaries are built upon the college or university model, where students attend classes with other students to learn from professors, write papers, complete learning projects, and serve in internships. And because the seminary is an academic institution, external agencies will hold it accountable for upholding high standards for the sake of its students.
While people can grow into Godly living and ministry by other means, the seminary offers a learning journey that is strategically designed for specific ministry roles. And while learning can happen in isolation, or even within a local church, the seminary offers exposure to the ideas and practices of a more diverse community.
Neither does God command seminary attendance.
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