Should I Pursue Theological Education?

Investing in theological education is a big decision, so we wrote this article to help you understand the process and what to consider before applying. Start by prayerfully considering your calling, theological convictions, ministry goals, and the practical implications of pursuing an additional degree. Then, you should research the program length, course content, faculty, scholarships, and student resources.

Consider Your Calling

Prayerfully reflect on your sense of calling. This process should be a thoughtful conversation with God and with trusted members of your community, people who know you and can help you discern God’s calling. As you reflect on your calling, consider the people, events, and circumstances that God used to call you to pursue theological education.

Consider Your Theological Convictions

Next, contemplate your theological convictions and desires for seminary. Do you want to train in a denominational seminary or an interdenominational divinity school? As you consider additional training, find a school that aligns well with your theological convictions while also offering programs to help you pursue your God-given calling.

Whether you’re a member of an EFCA church or want to study in a divinity school for the broader evangelical tradition, consider applying to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is the premier institution preparing the next generation of ministers and academic scholars. The TEDS faculty is among the most widely published in evangelical academia and has deeply influenced the leaders shaping the present and future of evangelical Christianity across the globe.

While affiliated with the EFCA, we are a broadly evangelical school that prides itself on theological diversity. Faculty come from a variety of Protestant traditions. TEDS encourages respectful engagement in difficult conversations and topics while remaining committed to the inerrancy of Scripture.

Consider Your Long-Term Ministry Goals

Third, consider how a seminary degree aligns with your long-term ministry and personal goals.

Do you want to pursue a job in pastoral ministry in a local church? A Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree offers you the biblical, theological, and practical ministry tools necessary to serve a church well. Are you looking at careers in chaplaincy or counseling? A Master of Arts (MA) degree in Chaplaincy or Mental Health Counseling equips you with critical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.

Is your goal to teach the Old Testament, New Testament, or Systematic Theology? Pursuing MA and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in these subjects allows you to specialize in particular areas of interest while equipping you with research, teaching, and critical thinking skills necessary for success.

Consider Your Long-Term Personal Growth

Your decision to pursue theological education should not only be guided by your long-term ministry goals but should benefit your long-term personal growth. Theological education will broaden your knowledge of theology, Scripture, and doctrine, but it will also equip you with critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for all walks of life. Resources a seminary may provide, such as small groups and mentorship programs, can aid in your spiritual formation as you deepen your relationship with Christ and prepare for ministry. Lastly, seminary will equip you practically and theologically for a lifetime of faithful ministry and give you deep friendships that will last for decades.

Before attending seminary, consider the practical implications of pursuing theological education, particularly the time, financial, and personal commitment required. TEDS regularly provides both in-person and online courses for various degree programs. If you’re working full-time, an online degree program might fit better with your schedule, lifestyle, and commitment level than a residential program.

Theological Education Takes Time

Whether you are single, married, or have children, consider the significant time commitment of a theological education. A seminary program website will outline the expected time to complete a program.

Each week, you will need to commit several hours to attending class, completing assignments, writing papers, and reading Scripture. If you attend a residential seminary program, you will want to engage with the community through different events, such as lectures, chapel services, Bible studies, and ministry internships.

Pursuing A Theological Education Takes Personal Commitment

Theological education also requires great personal commitment. Like any master’s or doctoral program, theological education is rigorous and demanding. As you consider whether or not to pursue theological education, evaluate your current commitments.

What commitments need to be adjusted or re-prioritized during your time in seminary? What commitments could you reduce your time with to give more attention to your education? Consider what boundaries you need to implement to maximize your attention to your studies and success in seminary. Doing this exercise before your seminary program begins will help equip you for success.