Why I Almost Went to Brite Divinity School.

Are you considering seminary or divinity school? I did once.

If you knew I had been in vocational ministry for the past 8 years, this may not have been a surprise.

What was in my vocational ministry toolbox?

However, the family of churches and ministries I am a part of (Every Nation) has an incredible theology and ministry practice called Leadership 215.

This 2-year program is the minimum ordination requirement within our organization, staff positions within our campus ministry, and even some of our churches. It was in-depth and taught by several key leaders within our movement, from diverse backgrounds and with rich experience in ministry.

In addition, I was involved in a six-month Propel Women Cohort (formerly Ecclesia), designed for female ministry leaders. While not a graduate degree, it set a good foundation for my ministry journey, alongside my training at our school of campus ministry.

So, whenever I thought of seminary or divinity school, I wondered what else a graduate program could offer me.

What could a graduate program offer me?

Of course, there would be more letters behind my name, a degree, a more intense and rigorous experience & theological study, and run-ins with brilliant professors and fellow classmates.

And also, there would be much time spent alongside my full-time job, and maybe some student debt to follow. Hence, it was never really on my mind.

But, as most things with God go, an unexpected chain of events occurred in my life last summer that led to another adventure with Him: a new city, a new church plant, and a new ministry assignment.

This newness in my life opened up new possibilities, and He has been gracious in revealing the pieces of His plans for me. Part of this involved—you guessed it—considering a master’s program.

Honestly, I didn’t want to pursue a religious degree. Again, this was something I felt I had sort of already done in some ways (albeit, I hadn’t).

What a search led me to consider…

However, someone mentioned TCU’s Brite Divinity School to me, and a quick Google search led me to consider a theological degree.

As a black woman in ministry, Brite’s diverse faculty and staff were among the first things that caught my eye, if not my heart. The second is that all master’s students receive full scholarships covering tuition and fees (at this time).

So, I submitted an inquiry, as I had done plenty of times before as part of my graduate degree research process.

Very promptly, Brite’s staff invited me to take a tour, which would consist of a full day of speaking to faculty and staff, attending chapel, and sitting in on a class.

Touring TCU’s Brite Divinity School

When I arrived that Tuesday morning, I was greeted by the most kind and wonderful administrative staff, who helped me get to all the places I needed to be that day.

My tour guide, a phenomenal and kind woman, greeted me and one other prospective student. We first walked through the divinity school’s main building (nestled near the Robert Carr chapel), learning history and speaking with the dean along the way.

I particularly enjoyed hearing about the strides made by previous faculty and staff, including those who opened the door to and paved the way for black and brown students. At a time when students of color and sometimes even women may not have been allowed into this kind of environment, they invited them to have a seat at the table.

We also attended a special edition of their weekly chapel, honoring black history month with its phenomenal preacher and speakers (like Rev. Dr. Aretha Flucker and Rev. Virzola Law) and music provided by The Gathering.

I met several faculty and staff members there and talked with them and current students even more at the Community Conversation held afterward, which also featured Rev. Law. I met a couple more professors and attended a class after that. The students I met were super inviting and warm. The class size and Brite’s student body were small.

What Brite helped me discover and see

Through this day at Brite, I realized a few important things to consider when considering a theological degree. Some of these may be relevant to you as well.

First, I loved the diversity of the staff and the importance of racial justice and gender equality. And, while most students attend a school that aligns with their theological beliefs, it’s not necessary for admittance at Brite Divinity School.

Usually, you may have to agree with a tenet or statement of faith, but at Brite, you are encouraged to defend and explain your position and beliefs on topics.

Brite seems to consider applicants from all kinds of backgrounds—theologically, denominationally, religiously (whether atheist, agnostic, or of another faith), etc. Yet, it seems to be a place that would challenge a person in the historical Christian faith.

Is Brite’s Divinity School a good fit for you?

As is TCU’s founding, Brite is a part of the Disciples of Christ denomination and is considered liberal and progressive.

If that challenges your beliefs, yet is something you are looking for, it might be a fit. Pursuing a degree at any seminary or divinity school, no matter its denominational beliefs, will require you to be well put together in what you know and believe.

However, whether or not it’s a good fit for you really requires you to wrestle with the following questions:

Are you ready to be challenged and defend your beliefs?

Will intensely studying and breaking down scripture and theology strengthen and grow you in your faith journey, or deflate you to the point you walk completely away from faith?

Honestly, I realized that seminary or divinity school may not be a good fit for me at this juncture in my life’s faith journey.

Through this exploratory journey of considering and touring Brite Divinity School, I discovered I’m more interested in specific certificate programs, such as pastoral care, Black church studies, etc., than investing 2-3 years to get a more general theological master’s degree.

After my visit to Brite, I did feel challenged and like I was up for it, but I have different goals that a different degree would be more aligned with and a better fit for me.

And it goes without saying… It’s important to pray through and seek wise counsel to discover if this is God’s will for you.

After all, everyone has questions about anything and always. How about you?

Is it right for you, and are you the right person for it?