Theological PhDs

Broadus,

I'm not arguing that PhDs don't make good pastors.

But I don't agree that the PhD is the best degree for all pastors to pursue. Mastery of biblical languages takes a lifetime. Not everyone can be Dan Wallace or Stan Porter.

For those who are gifted academically the PhD is great - these men will bless many with their knowledge. But that is not for everyone. So I'm not saying that the PhD is a BAD idea for those going into ministry - I think that the DMin probably the best all around pastoral degree for the average pastor in training.

 

Charles,

I'm not sure that our perspectives are all that different. I don't like the general necessity of a pastor's leaving his place of ministry to do a PhD, since more PhD offerings require residency within a relatively short driving distance to the seminary.

I hope the day is not too distant when pastors can earn a PhD in OT or NT, theology, or church history without having to relocate to a seminary. I know for a fact that many pastors do a DMin who really want to do a PhD. Residency is the issue. Many pastors desire more academic training than is typically provided with the DMin, though some DMins, for instance some of the programs at SBTS, Gordon-Conwell, and RTS, seem to allow for a more academic thrust while including the practical training of a DMin.

Of course, there are a very few non-accredited seminaries which offer quality non-residency PhD programs. Whitefield Theological Seminary comes to mind. Also, there are a couple of very viable options for a distance PhD or ThD in South Africa.

Thanks for your interaction and kind spirit.

Bill

 

Wow! I've been extremely busy so I haven't been around. Quite a change on the old BB.

Charles, I think that you are right on your statement concerning what most pastors need. A Ph.D. is probably not the ticket for most. In fact, most don't want to study that much! In one group of ministers that I frequent, they didn't want to discuss Grudem's Systematic Theology.

I do think that the average M.Div. holding minister would benefit from a D.Min. program that focused on one topic for three years.

BTW, I am now teaching and developing courses at a regionally accredited university! What a thrill to serve as a professor and continue to work as a pastor of a local church.

 

My father pastored 56 years before the lord called him home. He had 3 doctorate degree's and a PhD. He always signed his name Rev. and said that was the highest degree or honor any man of GOD could have.

He was a great teacher/preacher because of his education. Each sunday he would preach the sunday school lesson and said it was the theme of the day. When called to guest churches, I seen him read their theme in the program and preach it like he came with that message. Incidentally, I never saw him carry a bible except the amplified version he brought from his office for bible study.

He held a Monday night class for pastors and other clergy who would not otherwise be exposed to doctorinal teaching. One year at the Baptist convention, the guest lecturer had to leave at the last minute. During the first session, the moderator asked him to step in. He took the material the other lecturer had prepared and taght it like it was his. He lectured 4 days for 4 hours a day that week.

Yes, I believe education is a great thing...

 

Outta curiosity, what is the qualitative difference between a Ph.D., the common degree of today's Seminaries, and a Th. D., which seemed to be more common a few years ago? I note Dallas, and I believe Southern, to name two, do not today offer a Th.D..

Ed