Ministry Degrees

Having an educational foundation in organizational structure, leadership and development skills can be helpful when looking to start a ministry. You may consider earning your undergraduate degree, preferably in a discipline that focuses on ministry. A graduate degree such as a Master of Divinity degree can help you further build your ministerial education and leadership skills.If you wish to pursue even further education, you may decide to obtain a degree such as a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry (Qualitative Research). This program may be ideal for those who would like to learn about the most important trends and themes in ministry, develop necessary leadership skills, and learn what starting a ministry entails, all while deepening your Christian faith.

A certificate in ministry shows that you have gained the background and knowledge needed to practice ministerial service. With this, you can consider positions that allow you to teach the Word of God to others, such as a director of religious activities and education or a religion teacher.

Biblical qualifications for ministers are described in several New Testament passages including, for example, 1 Timothy 3. Additionally, the church you wish to serve will have its own specific qualifications on what you need to become a minister with that organization. However, there are some common qualifications shared by several denominations.You will likely need an education related to biblical studies, ministry, theology or divinity, such as an online ministerial degree. Programs, such as the Master of Divinity degree, are also becoming a popular choice, as these as these programs are designed to prepare ministers for the work required of a congregation leader, while also teaching students in-depth knowledge in other relevant areas of the church.3

There are certain steps that aspiring religious education teachers can take when pursuing this career path. These professionals should have a background in theology, religious studies or another related area. Depending on the individual school’s requirements, you may need to complete student teaching hours to meet state licensure requirements.To teach at a college level, you may need to earn an advanced degree, such as a doctoral degree. Some candidates may also benefit from completing a graduate certificate — such as a graduate certificate in biblical foundations or ministry education — to continue learning and developing as a teaching professional.5

A degree with a focus in urban ministry aims to provide you with the awareness, strategies and leadership ability to provide guidance to and make the teachings of the gospel accessible for the fast-paced urban community that you will minister to. In contrast, a degree in global ministry can deepen your understanding of scripture while also teaching you various leadership and communication styles in a religious context to help you make an impact and engage others in different cultural settings.

Depending on your career goals and aspirations in the church, you can decide which ministry degree is best for you. If you’re new to ministry and religious studies and you’re looking to build a theological foundation and develop the necessary skills to become a ministry leader, a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry may be your ideal starting point. If you choose to take your education to the next level, a master’s degree in Christian ministry can provide hands-on field experience and in-depth ministry instruction to help you position yourself for potential advanced ministerial positions.