Anonymous asked:
You have often emphasized the importance of being in the trenches with the people. But if that is the case, then doesn’t it make theology and philosophy, especially some of the more complex topics, just excess baggage? I am currently a philosophy student seriously considering applying for my Ph.D and I have been struggling with the question of relevance of philosophy in serving and loving others. I am wondering if I am simply wasting my time with my pursuit of Ph.D
I totally understand your struggle here and I was in the exact same boat about five years ago. It often seems that ministry and multiple degrees are at odds. But if God has given you the green light on further education, there’s no reason you can’t do both here: you can still serve people in the trenches while pursuing your education.
After all, everyone is in the trenches somehow. The homeless guy and the young entrepreneur and the single mom and the cancer patient and fellow tenured professors all need Jesus. If anything, you might be widening your net.
It’s really a false dichotomy to pit both sides against each other. You can try for Both/And instead of Either/Or. Christian ministry needs just as many educated professionals as they do willing untrained volunteers. While no one needs a decade of degrees to do God’s work, you can actually have a huge sphere of influence that many could not. In the world’s eyes, sometimes that “doctor-title” can open doors.
I’ve also seen guys go after extra education with the wrong heart: wanting to boost credentials, chase self-promotion, and accrue useless knowledge. It’s a powerful thing to say “I have a PhD” and attach Doctor to your name. But no one should ever feel like they have to get a PhD for the sake of hanging with the “academic elite.” Some dudes just educate themselves into ignorance. It doesn’t make them any better — only worse.
There was a young lady, a friend of my pastor, who was deciding on either seminary or a secular PhD in Psychology, and ultimately she chose the PhD. Her big question was: Can I still help people with my PhD as much as I could in a church?
She discovered later that she was able to help people in places that no one else would have access to. She’s continued serving church too. As far as I know, she is still working with people in the trenches while teaching classes, and she is able to reach a broad group of people. But the big thing was: she made a willful choice to serve anywhere she was. She made it happen.
My friend, I know you have a lot to think about. But with any gift that God has given you, whether education or tons of money or incredible talent, it’s all in how you’re going to use it. Some of that degree will certainly be useful, but it will take your willful decision to use it for Kingdom work. Loving people is a conscious intention that will grow or die, regardless of where you are. I’ve seen some Christians totally corrupted by big opportunities, and I’ve seen Christians take it all the way to God’s glory. Take this one to God and see how He can best work through you. And wherever you end up, love those people.
Also watch: John Piper — Should pastors get PhDs?
I’m glad you wrote this, JS. I’ve been struggling for years with the desire to get a Master’s degree in Christian Studies, but the financial hit we took from our church plant has made it not possible. It’s caused me to challenge why I want to pursue it so much, and I truly want to know more so that I can educate myself and others better on following Jesus Christ. And, I’m really, really keen on studying more! As you put it, that isn’t a bad thing as long as motives are pure.
Me again. Maybe it’s a good practice to make sure you have an “in the trenches” mindset as you study for another degree to be sure that your motivation is intact?
I believe so, yes! In-the-trenches can mean quite a lot of things, whether that’s tutoring inner-city kids or bringing coffee for the church staff on Sundays or raising money for Bibles to China. We all have our strengths, and so much of “missions” is painted as a romantic foray into the hardest parts of the world when really it could happen in the backyard. If a degree can run alongside it and God gives the greenlight (possibly a scholarship, good rec letters, availability, etc.), then I say why not.
There are people in the “trenches” everywhere, just not always in a physical sense. Many people who are in a high social standing are in deeper trenches than that of the single mom and so on. God will make things available to you as he sees fit that is for sure and if by some chance you end up gaining some knowledge he didn’t want you to have he can and will still use you to his glory and for his purpose!
Thanks Erica. God certainly works out everything for our good!
As long as you’re gaining heart knowledge as well, God is pleased. Really God is going to use us for his glory even if we don’t like it lol, so put it all out there for Christ and give him your all!
I think the question you always want to ask is, “Will this ultimately cause worship of Jesus?” If it causes you to worship more because you feed your mind and if it helps you reach others and enrich their worship, then it lines up with Scripture. Knowledge or lack thereof is not ultimate. Worship is ultimate.
Agreed!!
I’m glad you found me, for now I found you. As i read through we share so much spiritually.
On this particular topic, I studied for a doctoral degree, but for me (this is just personal, not a judgment on anyone) status is a problem. Fortunately my thesis director, the late Dr. Gerald Sheppard, noticed my moral dilemma and found a way out for me that honoured the school, me and his own mentoring. Learning has value when it makes us better equipped to “make disciples”, and many types of learning can do that. I do not regret the effort I put into those years, nor do I regret how it ended up. I agree, get a chance blessed by God, go for it with everything necessary to accomplish it. And do it with integrity; never lose yourself in it.
Totally agreed with you, and glad we have caught each other’s blogs!
If I could do it again, I would have gone through school quicker and with a more engaged mind. I mocked education for the longest time, and while I still believe it can occasionally be stifling, it does have incredible value.