How to Plan Your Theological Studies Around a Busy Work Schedule

You’ve been committed to church, bible study and involved in ministry. Your heart is to serve God and you long to know more about his Word. You’ve heard ‘you should go to college’ from people you respect and know you well. Yet you’ve held back from study because life is so busy!

It is possible to combine theological study with both a work schedule and commitment to church. To do so you will need to:

Prioritise God’s wisdom,
Be disciplined and
Find your joy in learning.

Prioritise Wisdom in Your Theological Studies

Successful theological studies begin with a heart that seeks to glorify God. This starts by approaching your studies with humility and a teachable spirit. Proverbs 1:7 reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we prioritise God’s wisdom, we align our studies with the desire to know the God who gave His only Son for us (John 3:16).

The book of Proverbs reminds us that if we are to know God we are to come before him trusting that when we respect and honour (Proverbs 1:7) him he will indeed provide us with knowledge of himself and wisdom about the world that he has created. It is easy for busyness to misplace our true priority of learning more about God so that we can live well in his world. Proverbs 3:5-6 remind us

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight

It might be hard to imagine how this priority can make such a big impact but it changes the way you think about time and the process of study. Andrew is a busy School Chaplain who is studying a Bachelor of Ministry. He did not come to study with a strong educational background but his priority to grow in his knowledge of God means he gains energy from study. It’s not busyness but a place of growth. He says “I now actually look forward to deadlines.” Such an attitude comes from growth in the Word of God.

Develop a Disciplined Approach to Study

Discipline is crucial for anyone balancing theological studies with a busy schedule. Those who are studying alongside a working life need to plan their day to incorporate regularly set aside study times. This is necessary whether you are studying on-campus, via live-stream or online. We estimate that you will need to set aside 10 hours per unit of study each week. What might that look like? It’s a mistake to think it can be done in one block.

Discipline in this sense takes planning not burning the candle at both ends. Perhaps you are an early riser? Could you do 1hr each morning and then a block of study on the weekend. Maybe you prefer to work late. Your after dinner routine could change from the latest tv show to study time. Perhaps your working life already provides you with flexibility? Does every week look different? Discipline for you might look like making a plan at the beginning of every week.

It is possible to restructure our days to make theological study a priority. Richelle is a full time worker who is studying through Morling online. Through discipline you could say she has become ‘match fit’ for study. She says

“I've set aside time every night, but I've now gotten to the point where I can do it four nights a week and maybe a little bit of a weekend for assignments. And so I still go to Life Group That’s really important to me to be able to continue doing that.”

Richelle’s discipline enables both her commitment to study and to her church bible study group.

Find Joy in Your Learning

Morling education is transformational because whether you are studying to gain qualifications for ministry, to grow in your Christian worldview on your vocation or embark on a new vocation as a Chaplain or Counsellor your study has its foundations in the Word of God. Transformation happens as we grow in knowledge that impacts our whole self and creates new ways of thinking and skills to serve Jesus. (Romans 12:2) There is great joy in this!

Elise, who is studying a Bachelor of Theology, demonstrates what happens when you integrate your learning with the life of a disciple. A life of putting learning into practice. She says:

“This year I have found myself in coffee shops and pubs sharing meals with particular friends who ‘aren’t religious’ and they have very curiously asked me about my study, my faith, ‘why theology?”. These questions have led to incredibly rich conversations about who Jesus is, why he came, what he was really on about… Studying has helped me to soak up God’s story and His word in a way I am not always aware of until it comes out in moments like this.”

Morling provides weekly chapel and discipleship groups that focus on integrating life and faith. Planning to make this a part of your study commitment helps you find the joy in learning and support and encouragement in the process.

It is possible to be motivated, disciplined, and joyful in your theological studies. So what are you waiting for? If you have heard the words of encouragement from those around you and know God’s call on your life. Contact one of our Future Students Advisors to discuss your application today.

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