Folks regularly ask me whether they should pursue a PhD in a theological discipline. My answer is always “it depends.” If God is calling you do it, then absolutely. We need more ministry leaders who have undertaken in-depth scholarly studies. 1/7

However, if the reason you want to pursue a PhD is so you can be a college or seminary professor, my answer is “proceed with caution.” You need to know there is little chance you will ever land a teaching job. You’re probably awesome. But the odds are not in your favor. 2/7

The fact is the market for teaching jobs in theological education is very saturated and shrinking quickly. It is far harder to find a job than it was even 5 years ago—and it was really hard then. Every school I know is trying to condense its faculty rather than expand it. 3/7

I receive countless unsolicited resumes every year. Some of these folks earned a PhD from prestigious schools, have presented at conferences, published in solid journals, and revised their dissertations for publication. They are clearly talented. But I don’t need them. 4/7

It is even hard to find adjunct work. There are just too many folks with PhD’s and not enough online classes to go around. The truth is if I need an adjunct, I'm going to call someone whom I already know and trust rather than hire a stranger—even one with a great resume. 5/7

If you can’t envision yourself flourishing as a pastor, missionary, or parachurch leader with a PhD, totally outside the academy, then you shouldn’t enroll in a doctoral program. It will cost too much money, take too much time, and provide zero guarantee of a teaching job. 6/7

But again, if God is calling you to do a PhD so that you can use that education in your pastoral ministry or parachurch work, then by all means go for it. Find the doctoral program that will best prepare you to fulfill your ministry goals. DM me if you want some suggestions. 7/7