Is a theology degree worth it?

I spent three years of my life and thousands of dollars getting a theology degree. And today, my day job has (almost) nothing to do with it. In this video, I explore whether it was "worth it" to get a theology degree, would I do it again, and what questions you should consider before getting one yourself.

Additionally, I ask whether it's better to get a theology degree online, should you just read the books instead of going to college, and more.

If you're interested in more videos where I reflect on my own journey, talk about theological education, and more, let me know in the comments down below.

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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

About the host:

Video Stuff:
Camera: Sony a6300
Edited in FCPX

Music:
Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel

*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
04:33 - Can you afford it?
05:48 - Are you ok not getting a theology job?
09:30 - Are you willing to be shaped by it?

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[Dr.TuRon_Davis]

I have a doctorate in theology with an emphasis on pastoral counseling. I combined that with certifications in life coaching, psychology, and mental health. I'm now an author and work for Journey EmbracedKC LLC where I offer transformative coaching and spiritual mentoring. I work in partnership with a clinical psychologist and a professional licensed counselor. As ordained ministers, we are exempt from needing a state license to provide counseling in the spiritual realm or equivalent. This may help someone needing to choose a pathway to work with a theology degree.

[ronchandonia]

I really enjoy the way you talk with your viewers, so "real" and often moving. I did a couple theology degrees (undergrad and masters) at Notre Dame years ago, then moved on to a doctorate in a different area. Taught in college and only occasionally drew directly on my theology background, but more recently found myself involved in forming deacons for Catholic ministry. Best work I ever did! Of course, it paid almost nothing, but I loved it passionately . . . and having learned how to learn theology, I was able to immerse myself in it again and thereby guide men nearly my own age who were eager to learn "God-talk" but had no idea how to go about it. In short, as you indicate in this video chat, my theology degrees did not have a cash payoff, but they have blessed me in ways I had not expected.

[Rikusm]

Last part of the video... Gold. I am strongly considering to start a degree in theology now. And I think I got my answer. Will start working on that asap

[michaelrmims]

Great perspective my brother! I hope this encourages a lot of young adults.

[augustinian]

My approach (compressing a lengthy and complicated personal journey into a sentence) was to major in philosophy, math, and computer science and take classical languages on the side. Took a little longer than four years, but it’s permitted me to study philosophy, theology, and biblical studies in my free time while I work as a software developer, which provides for my family and the book munchies. Philosophy in particular was useful in learning to cut through denominational lines and seek truth wherever it may be found.

[Willonly-wwno]

I am a agnostic who is thinking of getting a bachelor in theology. This video gave me alot of insight, thank you <3

[loonacyy]

I’ve been scrolling for hours trying to find a genuine video on this and finally found it thank you and god bless, you earned a sub

[davidgoode]

Thank you for doing this video, I found it very insightful

[empirical_blade]

Thank you so much for this, I'm currently studying Theology at St Mary's Catholic University in Twickenham.

[Humblebeginnings]

As a fellow Moody grad, I can say that your heart really appears to be in the right place, brother. I can tell that your walk with God has not only affected your head but your heart. Thank you for posting this. All the best. 🙏

[jesseengland]

Hello Austin thanks for the video it really helped me a lot right now I’m considering getting my associate and/or bachelors in psychology. While doing a lay pastoral ministry before I get a degree in ministry or some related field.

[romijay]

I am very interested in learning about the Theological material, and thank you for this video.

[freebird]

Thanks for sharing. You are right. This applies to any type of degree. The best scenario is getting into a good job, or field, that offers college support, which can be used to advance your career within the area you are working. This is not a recruiting campaign, but the military was good for that. Those in ministry should be constantly learning. Thanks again, and God bless

[boss]

I really liked this. I’m currently deciding what classes to take before I move on to college, and I know in my heart I have a burning desire for the priesthood. God may be calling me to this way of life, or not. But either way, I quickly discerned that getting a degree in theology would be beneficial to me at the very least spiritually whichever path I’m called to chose in life. I hadn’t gone much deeper into getting a degree like this, but this video helped a lot. I likely will be able to discern my vocation in college and whatever I chose still be happy with the degree I have, Lord willing. I’ll probably do something tech related on the side as a backup.

[juancarlostownsend]

Your third question… absolutely touching

[George-urow]

Good vid! at the heart of the video I feel is the question you posed: "are you willing to let it shape you"?

Along similar lines, I'm of the opinion that just about every degree is "worth it" if the following condition is met: if one has taken the process seriously, rather than just simply going through the motions. By taking the process seriously, one will have allowed the experience to shape them.

If someone has taken the process seriously, then it should have (1) sharpened their thought process, (2) improved their communication skills and (3) opened some doors and connections.

When I went to Law School, there was little to no actual practical or technical teaching. It is my understanding not much has changed (95% of it being the reading of historical court opinions on laws that have long since been overturned).
The process, however, most certainly sharpened my thought process, improved my communication skills and opened many doors.

I should add the caveat that price should be kept in mind. I went to state schools throughout undergraduate and law - saving potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Steve-wgcr]

Good video Austin. I too have a theology degree (Master's degree) and a doctorate in leadership studies. Neither is a big money maker but fortunately I had a military GI bill and other sources to pay for it all. I never had to take a loan. I've done some teaching and am currently pastoring a small house church for no pay which is the way I want it (saves money for more important things).

I agree with your opinions that it is often better to learn theology through self-study rather than borrowing/spending a large amount of money for a theology degree. I believe it's possible and one could learn from self-study just as well as a college or seminary theology program if done correctly. I would actually recommend most people do it that way.

[sethn]

Thanks for the advice, I'm doing 2 majors (History and Theology) and questions like this have plagued me throughout my degree. I became a Catholic 2 years ago after the Pentecostal church I had my initial conversion in and I wonder if the average Protestant gains more use out of a theology degree because oppurtunities for lay ministry are more plentiful, whereas in the Catho-sphere the main professional uses for a theology degree would perhaps mainly be clergy, teaching, or some kind of diocesan role; my friends jokingly call the last category "being a 'professional Catholic'".

Thank you for all of your work on this channel! God Bless.

[jamesmeyer]

I believe it's actually keeping honest with your search with the truth and always keeping your priorities straight. Probably the main problem would be the bias you gain in one or the other which might blind or fog your vision in some sense. God will show his ways wherever he wants to take you. God bless.

[pcb]

Thank you for your video Andy! I suggest you four things. 1. Try to teach online (option a. Make your own courses to buy them online. Option b. Check what seminaries are online around the world.). 2. Learn a second language such as Spanish, and teach students in another language. 3. Start writing your books as a theologian. 4. Study a graduate degree to have more open doors not only in the United States, but around the world.
There are seminaries that are not expensive, and many students are there who need teachers like you. Discern it with God. God bless you!