While most Protestant denominations either require or strongly recommend those preparing for ministry as pastor earn a seminary degree (normally the Master of Divinity) few groups have established protocols requiring that academic preparation include significant training in business or organizational leadership. Since most congregations are small in size (approximately two-thirds have fewer than 200 members), pastors are often tasked with the daily oversight of the daily operations of the church as a business. In this environment, clergy are expected to competently handle the congregation’s facilities and finances.
I am delighted that many seminaries are reconsidering their entire curricula to better prepare pastors for ministry in the early twenty-first century. One notable change is the opportunity for students to earn dual degrees. Interestingly, Baylor University (the school where I started my seminary studies) recently announced the addition of the MBA/M.Div. offering. According to an article in the Associated Baptist Press, Baylor is one of several to make this strategic addition. Other Baptist schools now offering the dual MBA/M.Div program include Mercer University, Gardner-Webb University, and Campbell University.
So What?
Personally, I benefited from serving in leadership roles in the public sector prior to entering seminary and from a variety of leadership and ethics courses during my seminary studies. Nonetheless, I lacked the opportunity for a full scale business school experience. By serving large congregations with multiple clergy and numerous staff, I was privileged to learn a great deal about these matters from colleagues and from volunteer leaders of various ministry teams.
- What business training do you think pastors should receive as a part of their academic preparation for ministry?
- Do you think the dual MBA/M.Div. degree will be attractive to many students? Why or why not?