A theology degree can be useful for those seeking to enrich their understanding of biblical interpretation and knowledge, especially if you are considering a ministerial or pastoral role. In fact, depending on your denomination, you may be required to hold a graduate degree in ministry or divinity to even be considered. Through ACU’s online Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, you will dive deeper into scripture and be challenged in how you view the world and minister to people both inside and outside your congregation.    

Ready to learn more? Read on to discover how ACU’s online Master of Divinity degree can help you understand your purpose and empower your calling to pastoral leadership. 

What is a Master of Divinity?

A Master of Divinity is more than just a graduate degree for those interested in becoming a counselor or pastor. This degree encompasses a multifaceted view of theology and history without the additional requirements of a doctoral degree. Typically involving courses related to theology, biblical text, ancient history, and linguistics, a divinity degree broadens your horizons to encounter and engage both traditional and progressive viewpoints. 

Normally offered in seminaries and religious institutions, a divinity degree is also often taught by theologians, biblical scholars, and practitioners interested in providing resources for students authentically invested in spreading the gospel. Through ACU’s online Master of Divinity program, you will learn how to integrate theology within your contemporary cultural contexts and the worldwide church while exercising your spiritual gifts for ministerial faithfulness. 

Plus, with the profound opportunity to conduct a thesis as part of your graduate studies, you can expand your specific interests within church settings to include Christian ethics, youth and family ministry, worship and music ministry, and race and ethnicity. 

What Kind of Ministerial Roles Can I Get with a Master of Divinity?

Tailored to your specific area of ministry, obtaining an M.Div. not only will equip you to pursue numerous roles in various churches, but also cater to your congregation’s needs more effectively. According to Indeed, applicants with a Master of Divinity can obtain roles such as: 

• Counselors help individuals and families navigate life challenges, including addiction, grief, and religious issues. 
• Pastors lead a church while also executing other duties such as preaching Sunday sermons, conducting Bible Study, managing clergy members, and performing religious ceremonies. 
• Associate Ministers help pastors lead their church and also participate in evangelism efforts in their community as well as oversee various ministries. 
• Chaplains provide religious guidance and spiritual services to people in hospitals, prisons, or schools. 

With the amount of religiously affiliated Americans declining, the urgency for faithful, servant-minded individuals with strong pastoral and academic training becomes more important than ever before. In fact, according to studies from the Barna Research group, nearly 50% of pastors are leaving, or considering leaving, their congregations for reasons involving retirement and burnout. As the United States’ religious demography shifts rapidly and many pastors are exiting ministry, the need for the next generation of ministry leaders to step up and lead their churches into the future has become more prevalent.

How does ACU’s online M.Div. Measure Up?

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and built upon a foundation of preparing you to enter into the ministry field or expand your current vocation, ACU’s M.Div. program is only 72 hours, meaning you can finish in four years or less depending on your course load. Plus, you can choose to either take classes online or on campus.

By taking courses like Foundations of the Theology of Ministry and Introduction to Hebrew, you will immediately be immersed in a comprehensive program geared toward making you a more decisive pastoral leader. With two start dates in the fall and spring semesters, and the ability to concentrate in missions or ministry, you can find the optimal time to enter the program without compromising your current life obligations. Offering scholarships for online students, ACU offers theology degrees that will prepare you for a fulfilling life of ministry.

The need for influential leaders in the church is imminent. As more Christians seek answers to complex questions in our culture, adequately trained and educated ministers are more necessary than ever to keep their congregations hungry for scripture and eager to serve their communities. 

Interested in learning more information about our Master of Divinity program? Visit our website or call 855-219-7300 today!