Many people feel the call to study religious doctrine without having a specific sense of direction. Some might earn a college degree and become a pastor while others could choose to teach in a Christian school. If you are interested in studying theology but aren't quite sure how you will use that knowledge, here are some tips that might help.

Keep a Journal

Many career consultants encourage people who are starting to build a professional future to keep a journal and write in it several times each week. About fifteen minutes at a time is enough unless you want to write more. Describe your ideas about a future in theology and the type of job you would like to have. Explore various options in your writing, such as missions, pastoral headship, church administration, worship and praise leadership, or community outreach. As you reflect on your experiences in these areas, you will likely begin to discover the true areas of interest as well as those that you do not feel called to pursue.

Talk to Family and Friends

Your relatives and close friends have seen you participate in church activities and school events as you grew up. They might have some insight as to your career interests and aspirations. Ask them what they think your innate talents are and what you would be good at doing for a theology-based career. Reminisce with them about earlier experiences you shared at church or in local ministry. Their feedback can help to give you a fuller picture of your career-oriented skills and strengths.

Take a Bible Study Class

If you don't already belong to a Bible study, consider joining one. These groups can be highly informative and educational as the members study and discuss Bible themes and passages. You can also sign up for a Bible study class at a Christian college or university. If you have a college degree already, you may be able to apply for admission to a seminary program in theology.

Consult a Career Adviser

A career adviser, whether conventional or Christian, may offer personal assessment tools to help you identify your specific theology interests. You might learn that you are mostly interested in exegesis or prefer apologetics, for example. As you become more attuned to your personal career goals, the assessment tools may be able to provide options for consideration.

Take a proactive approach to explore a theology career. Preliminary steps like these can help you launch a successful preparation plan for a future in theology.