Additional Information
A minister needs a broad general education and specific training. They
may have a university degree followed by a postgraduate degree in theology.
"In academics, you're encouraged to seek out an undergraduate degree in any
field and then get a master's in divinity," says Terry Dempsey.
It's suggested that your first university degree include many of the following
courses: English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, history, biology, other physical sciences,
sociology, philosophy, psychology and ethics. The courses you take may vary
with your specific denomination.
In addition to academic education, a ministerial student is usually under
the supervision of someone at their church throughout their training. "They
usually have interviews with groups of people in the denomination to make
sure they are worthy and capable of being a minister," says Dempsey.
Once a student is ready for ordination, they are required to subscribe
to the doctrines of the church and to make solemn ordination vows.