As servants of God we rely on the spirit to guide us, but there’s also no substitute for hard work and preparation. For a church leader this means having a deep and clear understanding of the scriptures in order to apply the word of God in a meaningful way to the lives of those you are entrusted with. Here are three major benefits attending theology school and obtaining a Master of Theology degree will have on you and your existing ministry:

Increasing Confidence

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” -1 Pe 3:15

When a pastor is biblically prepared it reassures them of their hope, increasing their confidence in their ability to lead their congregation. Confidence in God’s will comes from knowing that you have a solid foundation in the scriptures and that you are able to vocalize these teachings in clear and effective ways.

Being biblically prepared means being able to better interpret and apply the teachings of the Bible to the lives of your congregation members. Such understanding can help in communicating teachings in a clear and effective way and to answer members’ questions that may arise.

Stronger Relationships

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

- Ephesians 4:29

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The more that the Scriptures are at the center of our thoughts, the more the words that come out of us will give grace to those who hear them. Ability to provide guidance and support through robust Biblical teachings can evoke trust and respect between you and those you are ministering to.

Greater Spiritual Development

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

- 2nd Peter 3:18

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“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—“

- 1st John 1:1

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It’s always important to experience grace in our faith, but just as essential is the growth of knowledge of our Lord. As we know in the first letter of John, that the Lord himself is the word of life, so to know our Christ is to the know the Scriptures that promised him. When we are Biblically prepared and consistently seeking the deeper knowledge of our Christ, those that we support, in turn, receive the same nourishment from us who speak it and we grow together in our faith and in grace.