It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted anything on this website—but it’s been for good reason. Over the past couple of years, I needed to focus on writing my dissertation—over 300 pages worth of writing! I needed to take a bit of a break from writing here. By God’s amazing grace, however, I completed my dissertation and graduated with my PhD in Christian Theology from McMaster Divinity College last month! Thus, I hope to get back at writing on an ongoing basis more on this site. I thought that sharing some thoughts on my PhD experience here would be a good way to transition back to writing here.
I’m grateful the excellent PhD program, faculty, and staff at McMaster Divinity College. The structure of the PhD program is great, because it facilitates academic rigour, excellent ongoing mentorship, service, and the professional development of scholars. Don’t get me wrong, completing a PhD has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. You can, however, find a place to complete a PhD where you will be challenged academically and be in the context of a supportive community that wants to be faithful to God and His Word—I found McMaster Divinity College to be that place. I would highly recommend this school if you are considering a PhD in Theology. The school is in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and their website is www.mcmasterdivinity.ca.
I learned a lot over these past few years, and hope to articulate some of those lessons on this space at some point in time. But for now, I’d like to share a video that includes some of my thoughts on my experience in the PhD program at McMaster Divinity College. On graduation day, McMaster Divinity College not only conducts a Convocation when students receive their degrees, but the school also conducts a Service of Celebration earlier in the day. During the Service of Celebration, I was one of the students asked to share about my experience in the PhD program at the school. The video is less than five minutes long, so if you’re interested in watching it, here it is (special thanks to my wife Joyce for recording it, and my niece Krystal for editing the video):
Awesome video! Masters is very blessed to have you anchoring Bible & Theology, Josh. You are a phenomenal teacher. If I could turn back the clock, and we’re an undergraduate again, I’d jump at the chance to sit under your teaching ministry. Cheers, Rich.
Thanks so much Rich! Haha, always great to have smart guys like you in classes I teach! I have enjoyed my classes with you – actually a class you taught at church is the first class at the church my wife and I attended–we really enjoyed it! I really appreciate your heart for God, faithfulness to the Word, and the ministry of teaching. As I’ve said elsewhere, you not only have the gift of teaching, but the gift of encouragement! Blessings.
Awesome, Josh. Thanks for sharing!
Patrick
Thanks Patrick! Great to hear from you. I’m grateful to have connected with you at MDC as well. Hope all is well at Providence. Blessings!