Seminary PhD: Here's what it takes. Could you write a dissertation?

[@charlesworkman2868]

I would like to hear y’all talk about managing PhD work while working/pastoring, family life, and financing. I’m finishing my ThM right now and have considered PhD work. I’m a pastor of a rural church with a wife and young children.

[@DanielESeo]

I got my MABC and THM and just started by dissertation after 3 years of stage 1 and 2 of PhD in Biblical Exposition. I am also a full time pastor in a rural area in Colombia with a wife and small children as well. Lastly, I also take care of financing as a missionary. Throughout, what helped me was dedicating prayer times and reading of the Word every day; there is nothing that beats time in His presence as the temptation is to read more books and research than being in His presence. Also, in my case, I compromised with the Lord to not let my studies take my heart away from my sheep. This has helped a ton, as I prioritize family and ministry and do what I can in certain days or times to study. Hope this helps!

[@LeightonGRose]

Es bueno, estar y mantenernos en la presencia del Señor... lo más importante. Otra cosa... "comprometer" en este caso debe traducido como "commit." "Compromise" como se usa aquí tiene un sentido negativo. Que lo sepas, hermano. ¡DtB!

[@andytaylor1741]

Did a DMin at The Masters Seminary. Wrote my "dissertation" project on the Doctrinal Preaching of Martyn Lloyd Jones on John 17. Loved all 181 pages of it.

[@ianhastie2542]

Epic topic, I’d read it 😂

[@BiblicalStudiesandReviews]

It’s hard to be first anymore. But FIRST 🎉

[@DeWayneLWright]

Good stuff. Thank you.

[@drbill-r9f]

At University of Edinburgh my MTh research paper was called a “Masters dissertation” and in my doctoral program it is called simply a “Dissertation”

[@roderickfillinger7654]

This was a very helpful overview! Thank you Frank and Darryl!

[@TigerU21]

I’m finishing up my masters and about to start my PhD in New Testament at either Durham University or University of Edinburgh this fall.

[@bookdrunkard2080]

Have you started your PhD journey? If God willing, I want to begin my PhD in OT anywhere in the world.

[@drbill-r9f]

I should add that I read theology in New College, the School of Divinity. Other colleges in the University do call it a "Dissertation Thesis."

[@carolstettheimer9906]

Very different field, but it took Tim over 3 for sure.

[@rmviv4rmviv443]

You should check out the analytical literal translation of the old and new testament by Gary f zeolla its a 9 book set that contains a concordance and a companion book I set the deuterocanical and apostolic fathers book aside untill further research. Also I would like to know what you think of the third testament spirit of truth.

[@ГеоргийАгафьев-с7з]

Братья слава Христу!!! Вы молодцы.

[@crbgo9854]

completly unrelated question; why is it that it seems people can speak and read Latin, but people can only read koine greek? would you know anything about this.

[@jdmalm123]

Likely due to Koine's position in history (330 BC to AD 330) surrounding the life and times of Jesus as well as being the lingua franca during heights of the Roman Empire

[@vancesnyder2426]

My former Pastor had two earned PhD.'s and we would talk about the process. I have ADD (sort of) and the thought of dissecting and researching on what everyone else has said on a subject with ones own original research, seems daunting. You may not want to answer this Daryl, but many Pastors like to call themselves Dr. when it is not earned nor from a recognized institution. I think it is a slap in the face to those who have done the hard work, and it is a scandal for the church. Care to comment?

[@samlamerson8372]

Not totally on topic but I don't ask, and in fact am more comfortable when, people don't call me "Dr.". Anyone who needs to be called "Dr." might have a pride problem.

[@vancesnyder2426]

@@samlamerson8372 My former Pastor said you can call me "Bob" or "Pastor Bob" If you want to hear a 'cautionary' tale; look up Ravi Zacharias, years ago he was misrepresenting himself and not many called him on it. Those who did, he ignored and it was found out after his death that it was much...much worse.

[@DrGeorgePBurdell-USN-1701]

If I may, as a historian, give some input. The word Doctor comes from Latin, where it originally meant teacher. We get our word "doctrine" from the same root word. Originally, Doctors were 1) teachers and 2) clergy . Because pastors who also became teachers in a location of learning are the original Doctors, it is entirely appropriate for ministers to use the title "Dr.", provided they have completed their education and it is not only an honorary degree. It would in fact be, perhaps, unwise for the Church to relinquish this key position in academia. Ministers, or anyone else, who have not earned their doctorate degree should not be called Doctor. If those who have earned it choose to not use it, that is their choice.

[@Yakomoe]

Why would a Christian go to a modern seminary?

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodin1559]

How do you get to hell? Very simple: claim that you're innocent. How do you get to heaven? Very simple: Admit that you're not Innocent, you're guilty and ask for mercy. How to know if you're guilty or not? Simply: Compare your life to the Ten Commandments God gave you in the Bible. Everyone agrees that if people followed the ten commandments there would be no need for governments or police. Do not lie. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Do not insult God by using his name as a cuss word. There are six more but let's just leave it at that. How many lies have you told in your life? Have you ever taken anything that didn't belong to you? Jesus said, if you look at a women lustfully you've already committed adultery in your heart with that woman. How many times a day do you do that? Do you use God's name as a cuss word? Would you do that with your own mother's name? If you answer these questions honestly you know that you're guilty. God can justly punish you and send you to hell. Ask him for mercy. His name is Jesus. It's as simple as this, The Ten Commandments are called the moral law. You and I broke God's laws. Jesus paid the fine. The fine is death. Ezekiel 18:20 - "The soul who sins shall die. That's why Jesus had to die on the cross for our sins. This is why God is able to give us Mercy. Option A. You die for your own sins. Option B. Ask for mercy and accept that Jesus died on the cross for you. ...

[@jdmalm123]

Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” John 8:51 NASB1995 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15 NASB1995 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Mark 16:16 NASB1995

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodin1559]

@@jdmalm123 Aman.

[@mc07]

No

[@thelanternexpress9371]

I appreciate your posts but man...a degree from SBTS or Masters is just asking to be given an American conservative mishmash of political/theological views rather than academic or theological freedom. Do not recommend those schools.