I have been asked and personally wrestled with for years: “Do ministry leaders need a graduate degree?” Recently, I completed my master’s in pastoral theology, and the satisfaction of handing in the final paper was euphoric. But, as I let out a sigh of relief the question lingered, “Was it worth it?”
The short answer is yes, but for different reasons than why people told me I should get a graduate degree. For years people would push me and tell me:
- It’ll open more doors.
- You’ll get a pay increase.
- People (mainly clergy) will take you more seriously.
- The degree will validate your work.
- You’ll be better at your job.
All those reasons irritated me. After years of ministry, I didn’t need that type of validation and I knew that a compensation increase would not be significant, especially with what a degree costs. But, the one reason I ended up saying yes, was when a friend told me, “Chris, don’t pursue the degree unless you want it for yourself.”
I did not need a master’s degree to be successful in ministry. I wanted one because I was thirsty and hungry to learn more about my faith, the Church, and God. You could call that splitting hair, but there is a big difference. By the point, I started my graduate degree I had already felt like a success in what I had done in bringing young people to Christ. But, if I was going to make the sacrifices that come with pursuing a degree while having a full-time job and honoring my family then there needed to be a desire.
I had to make sure that this would be something I enjoyed if I was going to put myself through late nights and separate myself from family on weekends and vacations. And with the support of family, friends, coworkers, and my diocese, it was worth it. So, if you are going to get a graduate degree or pursue any form of higher education make sure the desire is there.
On a similar note, I do believe that lay ecclesial ministers need ongoing intellectual, pastoral, spiritual, and human formation. It’s what is recommended by the USCCB in Coworkers in the Vineyard. And I think we have to do a better job when it comes to providing support. One of the reasons there is high turnover in ministry is the lack of support and formation. If pastors want high quality ministry then they need to make sure they seek ways of:
- Fairly compensating employees.
- Providing proper leave and vacation (especially paid paternity leave)
- Sending their staff to conferences, workshops and other growth opportunities.
- Connecting them with mentors, coaches and spiritual directors.
- Cultivating prayer as a staff
There is more to add to this list and much of it can be found in Coworkers in the Vineyard. It’s a great document, not perfect, but it’s a starting point. But before we tell anymore lay ecclesial leaders that they need master’s degrees to be taken seriously or become more professional let’s revisit the topic around the formation. Let’s start looking further at what we the Church can do to support and form the men and women who give so much through their service to the Church.
What are your thoughts? Do you think ministry leaders need a graduate degree?