During Covid, things got a little crazy. All of our lives changed, and with it, our rhythms changed. While we were all stuck at home in the early days of Covid, I made a decision that some thought was crazy. I decided to start a second master's degree. To many folks surprise, it was not another theology degree, but a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). Why is the world would a minister of the Gospel want or need this, right? I'll explain that below. I applied and was accepted to the online program at Northwest Missouri State University. I began in the Fall of 2020, and have been taking one class at a time. As the Lord allows, I will finish in December. So the real question: WHY? I had always thought at some point about doing a Doctor of Ministry Degree. For those who do not know, this is not a "philosophy" degree, like a PHD, but more of a practical degree for ministry. Looking at programs at a few seminaries I was interested in, I was intrigued, but not excited. You see, I have two other ministry degrees (both Bachelor's and Master's). I felt while it would certainly would be worth the time, I wanted what could be my last degree (I really just want to watch my babies grow up at this point and enjoy every second) to help compliment me to serve the local church in the very best way I can, using my gifting. After prayer and feedback from others, it was without a doubt that I should pursue my M.B.A. But how can an M.B.A. help you serve the local church? Churches in many cases are not known for excelling at good administration. Let's be honest: It's not the most exciting thing in the world. This can especially be true for the normal sized local body of believers. With limited budgets, and desiring to have the best ministers in every area, the area of administration can sometimes suffer. Many times, this is left to volunteers who are not trained in Human Resources, Finance or Property Management. Where I currently serve, I can tell you this is not the case, however. I have some of the greatest group of lay leaders in these areas I have ever met! When a congregation lacks the experience and skill in these areas, however, it can result in less than stellar organization, and can also lead the church into issues both financially and legally. When this happens, the church becomes distracted from her true calling of sharing the Gospel and reaching her community for Christ. A church can have great personalities, but if the organization is in chaos interally, it will eventually rise to the surface, and the name of Jesus suffers. As I came on at Parkway Baptist Church, I was thrilled to start serving in my role of Administration (and Education). I love my job. I love inspiring through organizing and helping communicate and facilitate vision. I love to take young leaders and see them grow into men and women who will serve and be missionaries locally and around the world. I love the nuts and bolts, helping put out fires before they start, so the Gospel may be proclaimed strongly. Oh, and I love spreadsheets. I love Excel. It's true. In my opinion-this is Administration. Providing structure and organization so that the church can do what's its called to do-not serve on endless committees (they have their place for sure, and I get to work with some of the best!)-but to be missionaries. If I can help the local church in big and small ways fulfill its role to serve and reach its community by providing leadership through organization and structure, then I get to be a part of something pretty amazing. I count my blessings every day I get to help my current church, Parkway Baptist Church, in this way. An M.B.A. helps me everyday as I develop leaders one hour, organize and prepare budgets the next, and help assist our other ministers to serve well. An M.B.A., complemented with a theology degree, brings the spiritual training needed to minister but the practical training to help keep the organization moving. Listen: Every single thing I have learned in my M.B.A. is not one for one applicable to the church. It is necessary to take the leadership courses and view them through the lenses of the Gospel. But let me tell you something: I have learned more than you might think that has been better applied than some leadership courses I took in Seminary. M.B.A.'s. are so important that from time to time our seminaries offer dual Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration double degrees. Check out this one that is currently offered by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary https://www.sebts.edu/academics/masters/MDiv/mdiv-mba.aspx I encourage every young man who is called to the Gospel Ministry to consider this degree. It may sound contrary to your calling, but I can attest to you that it may actually help you fulfill your calling a lot more than you think. It has mine. Better yet, get an undergrad in a similar field, such as business, and connect with a local pastor and ask him to mentor/disciple you in your calling. Then, go to Seminary, get your theological training, and be fully prepared not just to preach, but to fully lead and serve the local church effectively. I am thrilled to serve my church, Parkway Baptist Church, and it was my honor to have sacrificed the time and money to grow my training, so that she may flourish in Gospel advancement. For the glory of God. Comments are closed.
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