Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on March 27, 2025
Celebrating Women in Ministry: Past and Present Since ancient times, women have served as essential figures in evangelizing the message of the Gospel while directing communities and influencing theological discourse. The history of women in ministry demonstrates a powerful legacy that spans from biblical times to the present day despite their contributions often being overlooked […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on January 31, 2025
Master of Ministry Vs. Master of Divinity A master’s is a graduate-level degree, which you can earn in many different fields. Some of the most common master’s degrees people complete in theology are “Master of Divinity” and “Master of Ministry.” These two programs offer similar opportunities and outcomes. But they’re not identical. Read on to […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on December 7, 2024
What is the Difference Between a Pastor and a Priest? Most Christian congregations have, at their heart, either a pastor or priest. They provide spiritual leadership, teaching, and care to their congregation. While clergy in both roles are shepherds of their flocks, there often is little understanding of the differences between them—how they are assigned […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on November 13, 2024
Academic vs. Professional Seminary Degrees: Choosing Your Path Choosing a seminary degree is one of the most significant steps on the path to a life of purpose and meaning in ministry, theology, or religious leadership. Sure, seminary is a collection of courses taken over several years, but it’s also a transformative experience that prepares you […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on October 24, 2024
How to Become a Chaplain A career as a chaplain is a calling, an opportunity to learn and practice ministry rooted in spiritual care, pastoral counseling, accompaniment, and holistic service. To become a chaplain you’ll need more than a desire to serve: you will need a specific combination of theological education, spiritual formation, and practical […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on October 14, 2024
In a world where leadership is often equated with power and control, Christian leadership offers an alternative model grounded in faith. Christian leadership is not simply leading with faith, but leading with the quiet authority of service, humility, integrity, and love of God and others. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the principles of […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on October 14, 2024
DMin vs ThD: Overview If you are considering an advanced theological doctorate then it is past time you consider the differences between Doctor of Ministry versus Doctor of Theology to determine the best direction for your theological career and academic goals. Choosing the right doctoral degree is vital to your future career. Are you serving […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on October 8, 2024
Embracing one’s faith is an essential part of life. For some, embracing faith involves choosing the path of ministry. However, it might be somewhat complex trying to determine the best way to engage in study and training that leads to becoming an ordained minister. In that regard, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) stands out as […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on June 25, 2024
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIBLICAL STUDIES AND THEOLOGY? Biblical studies and theology are intimately related but also distinct disciplines. To the unfamiliar, it’s easy to become confused. Many people see them as interchangeable, but what sets them apart? In this post, you’ll have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the divine disciplines […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on January 17, 2024
Becoming a Seminary Teacher / Professional Seminary teaching combines professional responsibilities with a divinely inspired mission to develop future ministry leaders through inspiration and education. In your capacity as a seminary teacher, you’ll hold an essential position to provide students with theological insights, practical abilities, and spiritual guidance. This enables them to demonstrate leadership through […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on February 10, 2026
The journey to seminary often begins with a sense of calling, an inner prompting to grow in faith, pursue ministry, or deepen theological understanding. For many, that call is strong. The financial reality, however, can feel like a barrier. Rising tuition rates, the fear of student debt, and concerns about balancing work and school can […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on February 10, 2026
Theological education has always adapted to meet the needs of the Church and the world. Today, hybrid seminary programs offer a dynamic learning format that meets students where they are, both spiritually and geographically. These programs combine online coursework with structured in-person gatherings, allowing students to remain rooted in their home communities while participating in […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on January 28, 2026
There are a variety of ways to serve in ministry today. Church communities come in all sorts of sizes, cultures, traditions, and contexts. Your personal calling might lead you to full-time “vocational ministry,” defined by common full‑time ministry responsibilities, schedules, salaries, and denominational structures, or it might draw you to “bi-vocational ministry,” conducting your ministry […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on December 16, 2025
Choosing Between the MACM and MMin Degrees Theological education is never one-size-fits-all. For ministry leaders, educators and spiritual seekers, the form of your degree makes a difference, not only in what you learn, but how that learning shapes you for where you’re going. There are two specific degrees at United Theological Seminary that are often […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on December 16, 2025
Why Should You Earn a Degree to Work in Ministry When people refer to “ministry,” they’re frequently imagining a pastor in the pulpit, collar or robe optional, preaching on a Sunday morning. That is one powerful image, but it’s also only a sliver of what ministry actually looks like in the real world. Ministry can […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on November 4, 2025
Deciding to pursue a seminary degree is a major step. Whether you’re called to pastoral ministry, theological research, chaplaincy, or a justice-oriented leadership role, United can help you prepare. But these days, seminary education is no longer solely focused on in-person attendance. United Theological Seminary offers 100% online programs, in-person degrees, and a hybrid option […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on November 4, 2025
For those drawn to the deep questions of faith, history, and the meaning of human existence, graduate-level theological study can be a profound and purposeful path. A Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a degree designed not for pulpit leadership, but for serious academic inquiry and reflection. It invites students to engage critically with scripture, […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on July 22, 2025
Theological education benefits from an inclusive approach that welcomes a wide range of Christian traditions. Ecumenical theology is inclusive toward multiple denominational perspectives and recognizes the profound richness found across these diverse expressions of Christianity. Such an ecumenical approach builds a stance of attentive listening, integration and mutual respect between Christian communities instead of centering […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on July 22, 2025
Ministry leadership extends beyond sermon delivery and biblical education. It requires capabilities for inspiring and leading individuals, small groups, and large congregations. From shepherding individuals through personal struggles to projecting a vision for congregational development, resolving disputes with graciousness to managing ministry teams across different functions, a religious leader must be equipped to handle sacred […]
Posted by Jordan Wogenstahl on May 16, 2025
Difference Between Church and Ministry: Understanding Their Roles in Faith and Service In Christian theology and practice, people frequently use the words “church” and “ministry” interchangeably, yet these terms have specific, unique meanings. Faith communities depend on both church and ministry, yet they function to fulfill distinct roles. The church operates as an organized community […]
