Those who feel called to pastoral ministry typically seek to prepare at a theological seminary. But not everyone who attends seminary (or pursues graduate-level theological education) has pastoral ministry in mind.

A growing number of men and women are enrolling in seminary in order to prepare for non-pastoral ministry careers. Others want to be more effective laypersons in church ministries, while still others want to become better ambassadors for Christ in their work-places and communities.

Information from the following institutions offers a glimpse into the theological degrees people are pursuing and the ways they are using them.

Note: The programs listed by each school below are in order of popularity.

(St. Bonifacius, Minnesota)

M.A. in Leadership with four concentrations:
(1) Organizational Leadership
(2) Ministry Leadership
(3) Intercultural Leadership Studies
(4) Educational Leadership

M.A. in Christian Studies (a new program designed specifically for those pursuing ministry careers)

Crown's programs cater mainly to adults who are already in career tracks. Says Koryn Smith, director of extension and graduate studies, "Many of them have chosen to pursue graduate education to open new opportunities in their careers. They may feel they have reached their career ceiling or that they could be more effective with additional education."

Adults seek Crown for two reasons: They want to build on the Christian worldview it offers, and they welcome the convenience of the school's online programs.

While some who pursue degrees at Crown want to be more effective in their current careers, others are contemplating career changes. Says Smith, "Often, they are folks feeling restless in what they are doing but aren't quite sure where to go. They might be sensing a call to ministry but aren't sure they want to be pastors."

Because Crown's programs are designed for adults to complete their studies while working full-time, students have the opportunity to explore options without quitting their jobs and uprooting their families.

The Organizational Leadership program prepares students for leadership positions in both Christian and secular venues. Crown's emphasis on scriptural leadership principles, in addition to current trends in business theory and practice, give students a well-rounded foundation. Similarly, those in the Educational Leadership concentration, in addition to pursuing spiritual formation, learn to integrate scriptural leadership principles with educational theory and practice.

(Marion, Indiana)

(1) Master of Arts in Ministry
(2) Leadership concentration
(3) Youth Ministry concentration

Most of those entering Indiana Wesleyan University's (IWU) M.A. in Ministry program continue their paid or volunteer ministry positions, but with a new set of skills, a deeper understanding of ministry, and a renewed passion for building the kingdom. With both concentrations, IWU's M.A. program provides courses in the basics of biblical studies, theology, cross-cultural ministry, preaching, and worship.

Says Russ Gunsalus, associate professor of religion and interim chair of the Graduate Studies in Ministry program, "Some of our students use this education to make a career shift into ministry, or, if they find themselves in a demanding ministry position, to advance their ministry skills."

The Leadership concentration has proven useful for persons desiring to work for nonprofit organizations. According to Gunsalus, a significant number of students are involved in ministries outside the church. The master's-level education they receive enables them to become more effective ambassadors for Christ.

(Wheaton, Illinois)

Wheaton offers two doctoral degrees, 14 master of arts degrees, and two graduate certificates. The school's graduate Biblical and Theological Studies department is the most popular department in terms of student enrollment. It offers a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology and six M.A. degrees: Biblical Exegesis, Biblical Studies, General Theology, Historical and Systematic Theology, History of Christianity, and Biblical Archaeology.

Wheaton's Clinical Psychology department offers a Psy.D. and two M.A. degrees. Its Intercultural Studies department offers M.A. degrees in Intercultural Studies, Intercultural Studies and TESOL, and Evangelism and Leadership, as well as two graduate certificates in TESOL and Urban Missions. The school also offers master of arts degrees in Christian Formation and Ministry and in Teaching (Primary and Secondary).

While many graduates go on to positions with churches, Christian schools, parachurch organizations, and overseas missions organizations, others go on to doctoral-level work to prepare for careers in the academy.

A large number of graduates from Wheaton's Ph.D. program in Biblical and Theological Studies go on to teach at Christian colleges and universities. Says Julie Huebner, director of graduate admissions, "Our aim is to combine faithfulness to the teaching of Scripture with creative reflection on its significance for the church and contemporary culture."

As for the graduates of the school's Biblical and Theological Studies program, while about half will move into positions as associate, assistant, youth, or teaching pastors, one-fourth enter Ph.D. programs. The rest might pursue careers in Christian publishing, take an assignment with a mission organization, or work for a parachurch group.

Graduates of the doctoral program in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) can move into a variety of work settings, including clinical therapist, director of counseling at a church or community program, forensic psychologist, or a teacher at a Christian college.

The M.A. in Clinical Psychology emphasizes a commitment to professional practice and ministry as service, especially to the church and to those who have been marginalized by society. The M.A. in Counseling Ministries program prepares graduates for work in churches, mission agencies, and other settings with lay counseling, support groups, and healing ministries.

The M.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry is designed for the "reflective practitioner," promoting dialogue between foundational principles and pressing ministry concerns. Graduates in recent years have gone on to work with churches, para-church organizations, mission agencies, camps, and schools.

Graduates of the M.A. in Teaching program are prepared to serve as primary and secondary teachers in public, private, and Christian schools.

The goal of the M.A. in Intercultural Studies is to develop cross-cultural professionals who are competent communicators of Christ, sensitive to other cultures, and effective servants. The goal of the M.A. in Intercultural Studies and TESOL is to develop specialists in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages who demonstrate a professionalism as the foundation of cross-cultural ministry. Graduates are hired by colleges in the U.S. and abroad as TESOL professors; they also work with nonprofit agencies providing language training.

Finally, the goal of the M.A. in Evangelism & Leadership program is to develop people for effective work in evangelism, informed by critical engagement with the nature of the gospel, Christian life and thought, and contemporary cultures. Graduates of this program serve as outreach pastors, missionaries, campus ministry workers, and itinerant evangelists.

Part 1: Preparing the "Perfect" Pastor

Part 2: New Challenges, New Classes

Part 3: Helping Future Pastors Flourish