This is a common question for those wanting to pursue theological studies, but who fear it may not translate into a career. Does a theology degree provide good opportunities for employment? I reflected in a previous blog how going to ForMission College has brought tremendous value as well as a career in my life (read blog here). The question is: is this the case for all graduates?
Let’s look at some statistics first. Many people who pursue a degree in theology are already interested in entering full-time ministry: around 14% of students go on to be employed as clergy according to Prospects. This is quite a large percentage compared to employment rates for other degree subjects. For others who pursue a theological degree out of pure interest in the subject, ordination may not necessarily be their objective. But reflecting from personal experience, doing a theology degree at ForMission College definitely opens a range of options and doors for ministry.
A significant number of theology students are already practitioners – pastors, clergy, youth and children’s workers – who choose to study at Bible College to grow in their leadership and learn how to engage with their congregations and contexts better. Graduates and current students at ForMission report that doing a theological degree has not only shaped them academically, but helped them grow spiritually as a leader. ForMission graduate Lynn Jennings reflects:
“I feel so blessed that I was with a University where people cared about the whole, the holistic person not just an academic qualification. It was definitely a heart and head connection.”
Peter Dalton, Youth and Community Pastor at Ladywood also comments:
“The great thing about ForMission College and the courses were that I could directly apply learning to my ministry context. It has really built me and equipped me to be a better Youth and Community Pastor where I am in Central Birmingham.”
We could draw from many more testimonies of graduates who speak positively about the impact of a theological degree in every aspect of their life. These comments show that a theology degree is not only beneficial for ordained ministry, but also for a variety of other careers like teaching, counselling and youth work. Students may also end up in service for the country, e.g. as a police officer. ForMission graduate Rachel Foster, who is now serving in the frontline, shares her reflections:
“What ForMission really helped me to do was develop my insight for God’s heartbeat, not just for church walls but for the overall Kingdom. I’m on the frontline now and serving the country. I believe God can change your heart from learning about culture, mission and people in general. What’s a better way to engage with that learning than to serve the community?”
In conclusion, there isn’t necessarily a list of jobs that are guaranteed after students complete a theology degree. But there are a range of options open and after that it really depends on the individual’s sense of calling. Studying at a theological college gives students time to explore or confirm that calling. It gives them space to grow in their faith and teaches them to reflect on living out that faith in the modern world. And whatever career ForMission students move on to, their challenge is to live missionally, for Christ, in whatever workplace or setting they find themselves. For me and many who have taken the same journey through ForMission College, it has definitely been worth the while.
Lalruatfeli (Julie) Hlawndo, Alumni