What do you do with a masters...

[Maxelcat]

hi all
Kind of tongue in cheek ... But not really.

I have just finished a masters in theology which totally absorbed me and all my spare time. I can't express how much study has blessed me. What can you do with it though (other than put it in a picture frame).

This is a serious question because people ask me if there is some sort of calling to church leadership, but no there isn't. I'd hate the thought of not being able to do anything with it.

Any thoughts?

 

[musicalpilgrim]

I can identify with you...I have a Masters in Sacred Music Studies, passed 18 months ago and just the same, the experience of study was such a blessing. Then a chronic lung condition stopped everything and now I am at home. But the Lord knows, and I wait and pray to be able to use what I have learnt.

I pray for you, and for me that we are given the opportunity to use our training for the glory of the Lord, and to forward his kingdom on earth.

 

[Tree of Life]

hi all
Kind of tongue in cheek ... But not really.

I have just finished a masters in theology which totally absorbed me and all my spare time. I can't express how much study has blessed me. What can you do with it though (other than put it in a picture frame).

This is a serious question because people ask me if there is some sort of calling to church leadership, but no there isn't. I'd hate the thought of not being able to do anything with it.

Any thoughts?

You can use it in a ministry or academic context.

 

[Haramis]

If you take it to the old hermit that lives in the mountain, he can refine it for you, if you complete a task. After you're done killing 300 boars, he'll forge it into a +5 Master's that does critical on dragons.

 

[Knee V]

You could use it to teach professionally, or perhaps be involved with catechesis/christian education at your church.

 

[Arcangl86]

You could use it to teach professionally, or perhaps be involved with catechesis/christian education at your church.

Teaching at what level professionally? I'm asking this as somebody with a Masters of Theology.

 

[Paidiske]

Some of my tutors had a Masters rather than a Doctorate. I'd expect you could teach at diploma level (and certainly in schools although you might need a Dip. Ed. too for that).

Teaching is the obvious example; chaplaincy (which tends to have less of a leadership bent) might be another avenue. Those could dovetail nicely in school chaplaincy but of course chaplains work in prisons, hospitals, the military etc as well.

You might be able to pick up work in the para-church world, for charity organisations or other Christian organisations. And of course there are various ministries in churches which are not leadership-heavy or which suit lay people well.

It all depends what your gifts are, what you're passionate about, what else you've done, and so forth. Maybe if you tell us a bit more about yourself we might be able to make more useful suggestions?

 

[Maxelcat]

Some of my tutors had a Masters rather than a Doctorate. I'd expect you could teach at diploma level (and certainly in schools although you might need a Dip. Ed. too for that).

Teaching is the obvious example; chaplaincy (which tends to have less of a leadership bent) might be another avenue. Those could dovetail nicely in school chaplaincy but of course chaplains work in prisons, hospitals, the military etc as well.

You might be able to pick up work in the para-church world, for charity organisations or other Christian organisations. And of course there are various ministries in churches which are not leadership-heavy or which suit lay people well.

It all depends what your gifts are, what you're passionate about, what else you've done, and so forth. Maybe if you tell us a bit more about yourself we might be able to make more useful suggestions?

I was a secondary school teacher for 13 years and had to leave for health reasons some ten years ago. Teaching, in all its variations, is what I love to do and I do miss it. I preach regularly, though not very often. I would like to share what I have learnt and to carry on leaning. Obviously I have to feed the children!


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[Maxelcat]

I can identify with you...I have a Masters in Sacred Music Studies, passed 18 months ago and just the same, the experience of study was such a blessing. Then a chronic lung condition stopped everything and now I am at home. But the Lord knows, and I wait and pray to be able to use what I have learnt.

I pray for you, and for me that we are given the opportunity to use our training for the glory of the Lord, and to forward his kingdom on earth.

Amen


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[MarkRohfrietsch]

hi all
Kind of tongue in cheek ... But not really.

I have just finished a masters in theology which totally absorbed me and all my spare time. I can't express how much study has blessed me. What can you do with it though (other than put it in a picture frame).

This is a serious question because people ask me if there is some sort of calling to church leadership, but no there isn't. I'd hate the thought of not being able to do anything with it.

Any thoughts?

A graduate degree in theology or divinity in our seminaries is a prerequisite for ordination to the Holy Ministry. (Lutheran Church Canada/Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.)

 

[Paul Yohannan]

A graduate degree in theology or divinity in our seminaries is a prerequisite for ordination to the Holy Ministry. (Lutheran Church Canada/Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.)

In contrast, I believe WELS demands an MDiv with specific focus on ministerial preparation, what RCs would call "formation."

 

[Tree of Life]

In contrast, I believe WELS demands an MDiv with specific focus on ministerial preparation, what RCs would call "formation."

My denomination (PCA) only requires a Masters Degree in some theological training. MDiv is not specified, although it is preferred. I myself will be seeking ordination with an MABS.

 

[Paul Yohannan]

My denomination (PCA) only requires a Masters Degree in some theological training. MDiv is not specified, although it is preferred. I myself will be seeking ordination with an MABS.

I really like the PCA; I greatly admired Rev. D. James Kennedy.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

In contrast, I believe WELS demands an MDiv with specific focus on ministerial preparation, what RCs would call "formation."

Yes, MDiv is the most common, however a Masters in theology, administered and approved by the Sem is OK; in both situations a vicarage as part of the formation is required. The CC would one who is ordained a Deacon; although for us, a consecrated Deacon is one who's intent it is to serve the Church, but not as a stepping stone to ordination.

 

[Maxelcat]

well, thanks for your thoughts. I really don't see myself as a vicar, pastor, minister. I watch mine getting excited about fixing the roof and new toilets. Then he has to deal with people who think the music is too loud whilst some say 'turn up the bass.' I guess I'd say something I shouldn't.

Really I guess I want(ed) to know - is it possible to get a teaching job with an MA or would I have to go for a phd. etc etc

 

[Shane R]

well, thanks for your thoughts. I really don't see myself as a vicar, pastor, minister. I watch mine getting excited about fixing the roof and new toilets. Then he has to deal with people who think the music is too loud whilst some say 'turn up the bass.' I guess I'd say something I shouldn't.

Really I guess I want(ed) to know - is it possible to get a teaching job with an MA or would I have to go for a phd. etc etc

The local community college is looking for a guy just like you as an adjunct in the Religious Studies department. You might never gain tenure, but you should be able to find work.

 

[Shane R]

My denomination (PCA) only requires a Masters Degree in some theological training. MDiv is not specified, although it is preferred. I myself will be seeking ordination with an MABS.

Mine takes a case by case look. Mainly, the Abp. wants to see those extra hours of Bible training. In my case, the plan was always to major in Bible/Christian studies. I already had 27 hours when I completed an Associates in Christian Studies. Now, I am in the S.T.B. program at seminary, taking the Master's courses towards a Bachelor's degree. Obviously, those who already had a Bachelor's in mechanical engineering or criminal justice (two examples of priests in our jurisdiction) are then put in the Master's track.

There are one or two old-timers around who "read for orders." Reading for Holy Orders was a common educational program in certain parts of the Anglican Continuum for a time. The Bishop would prescribe a list of texts to be read and the postulant would read them at his pace and make a report on his progress quarterly or something like that, possibly also mentioning a few salient points from each to prove he had indeed read the text.

 

[LoveofTruth]

hi all
Kind of tongue in cheek ... But not really.

I have just finished a masters in theology which totally absorbed me and all my spare time. I can't express how much study has blessed me. What can you do with it though (other than put it in a picture frame).

This is a serious question because people ask me if there is some sort of calling to church leadership, but no there isn't. I'd hate the thought of not being able to do anything with it.

Any thoughts?

Jesus said call no man "master", for one is your master ( Jesus Christ)

the word "Master" means a guide. But the Holy Spirit will guide us to all truth, and we have no need that any MAN should teach us 1 John 2:27. Yes God gives teachers. But we listen for the word of God in the spirit from them as they are led by the Spirit and as they function in the body of Christ there NEW MAN, not the old man. Christ being their head who effectually worth in all those that believe and effectually works in all for ministry and power to edify each other (Ephesians 4:15,16 KJV)

sSSohe best thing you can do with the so called "Masters degree" or as some call themselves, "Masters of divinity or theology", is to get rid of it and never let it be seen again baby any man. It is not he who commends himself but whom the Lord commends. The body will know those who labour among them and who minister in the life and truth of Christ. They will be recognized and ordained as elders ( plural) in every church.

Let no man boast in man, or as Jesus warned we are not to have titles over the saints or be as the Gentile Lords over others having dominion and authority over them. But are to be as servants and ministers.

No man can buy their way into bible school ( so called) and get a degree and buy his way into ministry. God gave gifts unto men, he gave some to be apostles ( and yes they are for today) prophets, evangelist pastors and teachers. Not just pastors. And these are gifts not titles of men over men.

 

[Tree of Life]

I say that @LoveofTruth really is Love of His Own Opinions and I will be now adding him to my ignore list.

 

[LoveofTruth]

I say that @LoveofTruth really is Love of His Own Opinions and I will be now adding him to my ignore list.

I give scripture plain and simple

men fight scripture not me