I continue to consider my future, completing my degree, and work as a Chaplain. I completed two online career assessment tools, which provided similar results. I am best suited for a helping profession such as Social Service, ie counseling, religious support, or a teaching career. I found it interesting I scored high on administration, high on persuasive skills, high on intuitiveness amongst others. It has helped to know I am a track that is good for me. Just have to find the right fit in job and education. I am not second guessing my call, or gifting, but I am questioning the direction for my future. I may do an online spiritual gift test as well and see if that has changed any, also how it compares with the career assessment. I am looking at other types of work in counseling, aftercare in a funeral home setting, or even some type of teaching position.
I have done a little online research into schools and their degrees. I am looking at more moderate to liberal seminaries including a few in my state. One thing is clear, whichever I choose, it will be at a significantly higher cost. I will consider it the financial cost of being true to myself and the one I believe in. Specific degrees I am considering are...
Master of Theological Studies, two programs I like, one is 52 credit hours, the other is 60 credit hours. Both require one Biblical language (2 courses), which I am not crazy about, I would rather take a pastoral counseling or pastoral theology course with those hours.
There is an Master of Christian Leadership at one of the schools, which is 52 credit hours that might meet my need. Another school has a Master of Religious Education (60 credit hours) it can be done on a Friday/Saturday format. Each of these would give me the credits I need for Certification on the Associate level with the Association of Professional Chaplains. As well as say I hold a Master degree. Which is a good place to start.
I am not considering a 90 some credit Master of Divinity, since I am already ordained. Also under consideration is some type of counseling degree that would give me a credential toward pastoral as well as bereavement counseling. Originally I was thinking of just adding on courses as continuing education. Or toward the additional credits I need for full Board Certification. This is quite a process.
Looking back I do so wish I had the strength and self awareness to come out when I was young. I would have had more time making these career decisions! However, I have to believe things come about in life on God's time not my time.
