During the 2019-20 school year, 482 bachelors degree students graduated with ministry or theology degrees. That number is not nearly high enough to fill the gaps in the 5,000+ Churches in the United States.

Are you interested in learning more about ministry degrees? Here are some of the benefits you can expect.

Learn From World-Class Scholars

A huge benefit of a bachelors degree in theology is learning from world-renowned experts. They specialize in the fields of Old and New Testament, Christian Ethics, Preaching, and more.

You will sit at the feet of recognized leaders in their fields, which will prepare you for your future ministry endeavors.

Build Relationships With Ministry Leaders

Not only will you learn from faith-filled leaders, but they could also become mentors to you. You will also form bonds with the other students who are in your program.

These people can add much to your spiritual network.

You will likely build life-long relationships with your peers and mentors. These people can strengthen you and provide a source of guidance and direction when you need them.

They will be a valuable resource when you have questions or concerns.

Access Ministry Resources

As part of ministry degrees, you will get access to many resources that you won’t easily find elsewhere.

These resources will help while you study, but can also help you grow more in your current or future ministry.

Learn With Both Heart and Mind

A big part of ministry degrees is opportunities to minister to others. You will likely also have access to field education and retreats, weekly chapel, and mentoring groups.

Not only will you learn theology, but will with your peers grow together in Christ. As you meet regularly with your fellow students and faculty, you will be able to dive deep into the ongoing issues in your spiritual lives.

This will help you flourish during your ministry preparation.

Explore Sub-Specialties

In your studies, you get to explore sub-specialties.

Due to the growth of Churches, you may find that your path leads you away from becoming a pastor or minister. There are so many other options for jobs in this field.

Some options include:

• youth or children’s ministry

• worship arts director

• devotional writer

• victim’s advocate

• bereavement coordinator

• director of religious education

• training and development specialist

• biblical counseling

While at school, you can explore these and other options without having to fully commit.

Look to Future Needs in the Church

It is impossible to truly prepare for a Christian Ministry without honing your ability to look to the future. The church has an uncertain future, and learning about the early church is not enough.

Whether you choose a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or online degree, the complexities of modern moral questions are something you will have to grapple with.

Your program will help you use the wisdom of Scripture coupled with practical skills. Then you can address the challenges the Church and its members will face now and in the future.

Now that we’ve discussed the many benefits of getting ministry degrees, let’s talk about how to do that.

Apply to Schools

The first step to getting your ministry degree is to apply to schools that offer programs such as Bachelor of Arts in Ministry.

You’ll need to decide if you want an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. You will also need to figure out if you want to do the program online or in-person, and if you want a full-time or part-time delivery.

Once you have narrowed down your options, you should apply to a few schools.

Be sure to carefully review each school’s requirements. Many need a high school diploma or GED with a certain GPA.

You may have to pass a standardized test, such as the SAT or ACT. Likely, you will need to submit an essay discussing your aspirations, faith, and testimony.

As part of the acceptance process, be prepared to be interviewed about your beliefs.

Apply for Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Recent data put the average annual cost of tuition and fees at four-year schools at $16,647.

Once you’ve applied and been accepted into a ministry program, it’s time to figure out how to pay for school.

Many Christian universities offer grants, typically based on need. Grants are funds that do not need to be paid back. But, they sometimes come with attendance or GPA requirements.

There are also scholarships you can apply for. Some are general and others are reserved for students pursuing pastoral studies.

Some Christian organizations offer scholarships to encourage students to enter the ministry. Your own church might have options, so discuss the possibility with your local leaders.

Because the cost of schooling is so high, you may need a few grants or a combination of grants and loans to finance your education.

Delve Into Christian Coursework

Once the money has been sorted out, you get to dive into Scriptural and theological subjects. There will be a wide array of classes for you to choose from.

Some will be mandatory, while others will be electives (much like any college program). You can expect to take courses such as the following:

• Christian Theology

• Foundations of Christianity

• Comparative Religions

• Pastoral Leadership and Communication

• Spiritual Formation

• Public Speaking and more!

Whatever specific concentration or major you choose will have its own area of focus. Chances are that if you have a niche interest, you can find a school or program with courses in that category.

Do Good With Ministry Degrees

There you go! After reading this article, you have a good sense of the benefits of ministry degrees and how to get one.

Remember, the need for excellently trained ministers to offer reconciliation and healing in this darkening world is high.

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Shift Frequency © 2022 – The Benefits of Ministry Degrees
and How to Get One