Why did I Choose an MDiv?

Just like many other students here at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, I attended the Spring 2021 graduation. The ceremony that stuck out to me the most was the MDiv graduation because I, myself, will be walking that stage in May 2022. As I watched those graduates walk across the stage and receive their MDiv diplomas, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey.

The truth is, I came to NOBTS unaware that another degree option existed. I assumed that most, if not all, seminary students pursued the same degree, but I quickly learned that this was not the case. It seemed that every person I met was pursuing a different degree, whether it be an MDiv, a MACE, a Master of Arts in Counseling, or something else. I learned that NOBTS offers a variety of degrees which prepare people for many types of ministries. I was suddenly faced with numerous options, but I still chose to stick with my MDiv.

Two years later, sitting in that graduation ceremony, I truly began to consider the benefits of my specific degree, not only as a student, but as someone called to ministry. I asked myself, “Why did I choose the Master of Divinity?”

The MDiv Prepares Students for a Variety of Ministry Callings

The Lord has never given me a specific call to one area of ministry for the rest of my life. He’s given me gifts and talents which point me in specific directions, but He has never impressed upon me any sort of permanent “This is what you will do for the rest of your life” type of calling. I love international people and missions, and I thrive in women’s ministry and college ministry. However, I also love to write and to study and to teach. Truly, the only area of ministry which I know 100% I am not gifted in is children’s ministry, and even I can handle teaching a children’s Sunday School or two occasionally.

I don’t say this to brag on myself, but to demonstrate the diversity that the MDiv provides for ministry students like me. Classes such as “Proclaiming the Bible” and “Bible Study Design & Writing for Women” prepare me to teach the Bible and write studies and curriculum, which are two passions that the Lord has impressed clearly on my heart. Other classes such as “Christian Missions” and “Church Evangelism” train me to see the lost world around me and challenge me to respond by going, telling, and making disciples of all nations. As someone with a multifaceted ministry calling, I am confident that the MDiv will prepare me well for whatever the Lord calls me to do.

The MDiv Curriculum Combines Both Academic and Practical Classes

It is often tempting to think that God calls people into two categories: those who are academically gifted and those who are more practical. The academics study and write books and commentaries while those who desire more practical roles serve within the church on staff. However, as I’ve studied here at NOBTS, I’ve learned that God calls Christians to be both, and the MDiv degree balances this dichotomy well.

Classes such as “Systematic Theology” and “Christian Apologetics” challenge students to think critically about their faith and ask good questions. Students learn ways to defend the faith academically and logically while also recognizing that God in beyond our comprehension as humans. In the same semester, students can take “Supervised Ministry” or “Worship Leadership,” two classes which ask students to reflect on how to implement their theology and faith into the life of the local church. Numerous other required classes and electives challenge students to think critically and put those thoughts into practice as they serve the Lord in their various ministry settings.

So why did I choose the MDiv? Because the MDiv degree academically and practically prepares ministers to excel in whatever calling the Lord has for them. Whether you choose the Standard degree, like me, or you choose to specialize, you will receive a well-rounded education which will benefit you greatly in your ministry. I promise that if you push through and complete those 80+ hours to get your degree, The Lord will teach you many things and prepare you well for His call on your life.