Pastoral Degree
Types of Pastoral Degree–They’re not all the same!
Even if you feel your call to become a member of the clergy urgently, don’t rush into applying for or enrolling in a pastoral degree. There are many different types of degrees for prospective pastoral candidates. You don’t want to find yourself halfway through a course, and have it not fulfill the requirements you need for ordination, or find that it’s just not what you thought it was, period.
Denominational Requirements for Ordination
Understand that each denomination makes its own determination of what is required of its pastors in terms of academic, professional, and spiritual preparation. Don’t go by what a degree program says, go straight to an advisor in your church that knows about these requirements in detail. In fact, if you are considering entering the ministry, you need to contact an advisor before you make any decisions about your education.
Pastoral Degree Concentrations
Different pastoral degrees focus on different aspects of religion, different theological approaches, different types of spirituality, and different approaches to and types of leadership. Also, there are more careers in church leadership than simply “pastor.” There are evangelists. There are youth ministers. Lay leaders. Chaplains. Which of these or any of the other careers in church leadership you are interested in will probably influence which pastoral degree program you should apply to.
Learn More about Types of Pastoral Degrees
One of the best ways to learn what’s out there is… to look, of course! You’ll see as you browse through the course catalogs and department/major information for different universities that there are some basic themes in the types of pastoral degree programs being offered. So, although you should be patient about applying, you should definitely be enthusiastic about looking. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be pastoral counseling that appeals to you, or pastoral theology. You won’t know until you know what your opportunities are.