mdiv in religion and theology

mdiv in religion and theology

The Importance of Pursuing an MDiv in Religion and Theology

1. The Role of an MDiv in Religion and Theology

The makeup of an M.Div. program is generally 80-84 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the degree in three years, and there are numerous excellent schools with M.Div. programs offered entirely online. Multiple delivery methods allow for individuals who are working full-time jobs or are currently in the early stages of a ministry career to earn an advanced degree with flexibility.

An M.Div. program is designed to develop the whole person, cultivating the personal and spiritual maturity necessary for the practice of vocational ministry. In the ever-changing world of pastoral ministry, it is important to remember that changes do occur. As of December 1, 2010, the Master of Divinity degree has replaced the M.Div., M.A. and Bachelor in Divinity in many North American Schools of Divinity. For this reason, the basis for this career tool is the M.Div. degree and not ordination. With tough economic times forcing churches and religious institutions to consolidate, there is a greater need for individuals to perform a wide array of duties within a ministry. This umbrella makes the coursework from an M.Div. more practical in the long run as compared to the M.A. or MTS.

A “Master of Divinity” is the preferred graduate degree leading to ordination in denominations today. At Southwestern Seminary, the M.Div. is the primary degree designed to prepare students for the practice of professional ministry. It provides an opportunity for students to gain a greater depth of competency in the basic theological disciplines as well as develop the skills and knowledge needed for service in a wide variety of ministry contexts.

2. Advantages of Obtaining an MDiv Degree

The breadth of our vocation is as wide as creation. God’s redemptive work aims to restore all of His good creation, and thus nothing falls outside the scope of His call. This concept stands in stark contrast to the sacred-secular split that hampers Christian engagement in the world today. Being truly convinced by these truths is not easy, given the pressures of contemporary society and even within the church to reduce ministry to mere religious function or market-driven secular success. This awareness of the call, combined with a desire to equip oneself for faithful engagement in this modern world, is a persuasive motivation for pursuing MDiv studies.

The concept of calling is fundamental in understanding the significance of pursuing an MDiv, for it is shaped by the conviction that the ultimate divine call is one to be conformed to the image of His Son. This call upholds both the depth and breadth of a Christian’s vocation: depth, in that character and being take priority over function and doing; godly character is the basis of effective service. Depth also suggests that the call is to be with Christ himself. This is what distinguishes Christian vocation from secular understandings of calling. All Christians are called to walk with Christ, but the pastoral call is to a way of life that models a way of walking with God amidst both the vicissitudes and consolations of life. Depth is a pastoral leader’s own pilgrimage with its suffering and joy.

3. Specializations within an MDiv Program

This degree program is not uniform in every institution. Various schools and seminaries offer a wide array of specializations, each tailored to a different segment of religious practice or theory. Some of the most common ones include: sacred music, pastoral care, theology, religious education, biblical studies, church history, spiritual formation, and missions. Each program is designed to equip students for an array of career paths. The breadth of available program options plays a part in the increasing diversity of the student population. With this comes a certain challenge to the traditional MDiv curriculum to be more flexible. Some students are looking for training in ministry that they cannot receive in a narrowly defined curriculum. Because the end result desired from specializations is far-reaching, some schools are finding it hard to fit it all in. This is good in that it forces a questioning of traditional values, but it also creates a certain level of chaos in the process. However, it will be the growing diversity and need for flexibility that will continue to shape the face of theological education in the coming years.

4. Career Opportunities with an MDiv Degree

With an MDiv, there are also very large doors that are opened to foreign mission. Requirements for being a missionary and length of work can vary, but seeking an MDiv is often good preparation and some mission boards require it. Foreign and stateside missions can vary from an extension of church ministries to things like disaster relief and development work.

For those who want to become a professional counselor, there are several options as to what can be done. In becoming a licensed professional counselor, the MDiv degree is very useful. This can be done through the church or individually, and the counseling skills can be spread into other forms such as mediation and non-profit organizations.

With the direction of theological education and becoming a professor, it is quite apparent that the level of education would need to at least equal the teaching position. Most theological teaching jobs require an MDiv as a minimum and many church-related teaching jobs can be a great segue into retirement from pastoral ministry. The aspect of leadership within the MDiv graduate can surpass church affairs and extend into high-level committees and organizations. This is a chance to be an impactful decision-maker in the direction of the church and denominational needs. The possibilities of leadership roles are numerous and the future of the church can greatly benefit from educated leaders.

Pastoral ministry is a servant-like role that revolves around the church and needs. It’s an emotionally investing job that will let one take what they have learned and studied and practically apply it to everyday life in the church. If one desires to go into pastoral ministry, an MDiv degree is necessary. With the education, there is a much more solid foundation to teaching others as well as taking on leadership roles within the church. Although only 1/3 of those seeking a pastoral role actually end up doing so, with an MDiv there is a much better chance of acquiring a higher paying job in the church.

If one decides to take their education as far as getting an MDiv degree, it is crucial to consider what kind of return that investment will give. Will it aid in the pursuit of a job in the realm of ministry or will the possibilities go further and beyond one’s original desired path? While many people getting their MDiv (Masters in Divinity) are pursuing a life as a pastor or a counselor within the church, others are interested in how it can open doors to various opportunities in fields such as social work, counseling, or teaching.

5. Steps to Pursue an MDiv in Religion and Theology

If the student is not accepted into the program, find out why and see if it would be possible to reapply the following year.

Finally, most schools require writing samples or a personal statement to gain an understanding of the student’s writing skills and why they are interested in an MDiv. Check with the seminary to make sure the application is complete and that the school has received all necessary documents. Most admission decisions are made a few months before the beginning of the school year. Admissions deadlines are usually early in the year so it is important to monitor dates to ensure entry into the program.

The next step is to gather official transcripts from an undergraduate degree and have them sent to the specific seminary. This can take a few weeks so make sure to plan accordingly. Then it is important to obtain letters of recommendation from pastors or professors. These should be sent with the transcripts directly to the admissions office.

Once a school has been selected, go online or contact the admissions office to request an application packet. An application can also usually be completed online. Appropriate forms should be submitted along with a completed application. Check with the specific seminary to make sure they don’t require GRE scores as a part of the application.

First, research the program to make sure it is the right fit and meets your intended academic and vocational needs. It is important to gather as much information about the program to ensure this is the right program for you. Students should visit seminaries and talk to faculty and current students. Doing an MDiv is a major investment in time and money, so it is important to make sure this is something that you are sure of doing.

To enroll in any MDiv program, students should be aware of the typical application process. Be mindful that each school may have different requirements and steps. But in general, the process to apply for an MDiv program is alike across universities or theological institutions.