At ACM we do a lot of career counseling, talking with men and women who are either in chaplaincy already, or else are thinking about it. Often the topic of graduate theological education comes up - but why? There are many compelling reasons, but here are three of them:

1. Professional requirements. Graduate theological education is a professional requirement for ecclesiastical endorsement, professional certification and being hired by many employers.
2. Competence in ministry. The author of one of my college textbooks wrote that the “Spirit favors the prepared minister. ”God can work through any dedicated person, but as Ellen White wrote, He can work more effectively through a dedicated person who is also educated.
   
3. Collegial relationships. Nearly every professional we work with had to be licensed, certified, registered or take some kind of officer training to even get into their profession. In that well-trained environment we are asked to articulate, participate and even compete for resources! The time is past when the chaplain can afford to be trained at a level lower than that of his or her colleagues in the system - whatever that system is!

What If I Need Additional Education?

If you need graduate education to get into chaplaincy, to bring your credentials up to current standards or you just enjoy the learning process, here are a few pointers. Many of these viewpoints are the author’s opinion, and many of them are lessons learned during years of dealing with the professional world of education and accreditation:

1. If you’re young and are mobile, get to Andrews University and do an MDiv degree, but be sure to take a unit of CPE during the process (its not just for hospital people).If you’re young in age or young in the faith, it is crucial that your theological education and pastoral formation take place in an Adventist context.
   
2. If you’re a mid-career professional and feel the call to ministry, still do everything you can to take your training in an Adventist context. If you’ve been in the faith for years, however, and family and work responsibilities dictate that you remain in your current setting, it becomes more difficult. My bias is still an MDiv at Andrews, but if you feel compelled to consider options then enlist your pastor or another trusted friend to pray with and help you consider the possibilities. A few thoughts:

   *Andrews does not have an external MDiv, but it does have an external MA in Ministry available to the working professional. Before considering it, however, be sure that it, along with your other learning experiences, can be used to document an equivalency to an MDiv
   
   *Should you go to a local non-Adventist school for a degree? That depends. My bias is that basic ministry education should be done in an Adventist context, but additional degree programs from other schools can often be very beneficial. My own DMin is from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian school. If you have no alternative and decide to enroll in a local school, then 1)Be sure you are settled in your faith; 2) Form a mentor group with your pastor and church friends;3) Remain active in the life of your church life, and 4) Be an articulate proponent for the gospel and a winsome Christian witness during your time in that school.
   
   *An increasing number of accredited seminaries are offering graduate degrees through alternative delivery systems. Usually these include a mix of online delivery, intensives, supervised independent study, etc. There is a deep need for the Adventist educational system to develop and deliver credible graduate theological education via the alternative delivery systems. It is not the wave of the future - its the wave of the present and we are behind!

Is That School Accredited?

Be certain that you attend an accredited school. The seminary at Andrews University, for example, is accredited by both North Central Association and by The Association of Theological Schools. The issue of accreditation is a real jungle, however, so here is a brief primer. In terms of accreditation there are two questions to ask:

1. Is this school accredited? Some unaccredited schools have low standards, but others may offer good value. If you already have the accredited degrees that are required for your profession, then additional study at a better quality unaccredited school might be OK (but shun the degree mills!).But if you’re still working on meeting the basic professional requirements needed for endorsement, professional certification or employment, it is crucial that your degree come from an accredited school. Also consider whether your degree will qualify for entry into another desired study program, such as a doctorate, etc.
   
2. By whom is this school accredited? If the answer to the first question is “Yes,” always follow it up with “By which organization is this school accredited?” Just there are degree mills and ordination mills, there are also accreditation mills! The basic rule of thumb is this: Be sure your school has an “accredited” accreditor! And who does this? Two organizations review and give recognition to accrediting bodies. They are:

   *The United States Department of Education
   Accreditation Agency Evaluation Branch
   202-708-7417 or www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/pubs/Accred/

   *The Council for Higher Education Accreditation
   One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 854, Washington, DC 20036-1110
   202-955-6126 or www.chea.org
   

The web sites of these organizations contain a list of the recognized accrediting agencies.

The bottom line? Be sure that your school is accredited by a recognized agency, and they our degree will accomplish what you want it to in your professional life.

Well, I told you there would be some opinion and some lessons learned from experience. We’re here at ACM to help you look at options and think through issues. Our only goal is to help you be the most effective chaplain possible. This article has focused on education, but remember that the Holy Spirit in our only fully trustworthy educator. Study the Word, be much in prayer and allow God to work in your life. And contact us if we can be of help in your ministry.