Update on Southern

Why get my PhD?  I am often asked that by people.  I was asked that by the committee that interviewed me to get into the program.  I am often asked that by nervous church members that think I am going to fatten my resume and leave into the sunset.  It is true that a guy needs to count the cost before he does this.  It is the most intense academic work ever.  There is never a break…NEVER!  You have to log about two hours a night (on the average I spend anywhere between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on PhD work).  Your ministry and family patterns have to catch…THEY HAVE TO.  I haven’t gone on a vacation in I don’t how many years.  So why?
         1. Personal edification.
Anything that causes me to grow in Christlikeness is for my good.  If I had not been involved in this PhD process, there would be some material I would never have delved into, and I would have been weaker for it.  I can honestly say with a view toward being like Jesus is great motivation for these studies. 
         2.  Pastoral fruitfulness.
I will not go into all the reasons (for there are many) but being involved in this intense academic pursuit does refine your abilities and gifts as a pastor particularly in writing which I need much assistance. 
          3.Ministry expansion.
Already being involved in this PhD process has “opened doors” for more opportunities to use my gifts both in teaching and in writing.  With that comes more exposure for my ministry at Calvary thus giving me more opportunity to preach to others the gospel.   
In all it has been a great task thus far.  I still wake up and can’t believe that I was chosen to be a part of this pursuit, but I thank God for the opportunity.