In early June, I wrapped up my first year of a doctoral program in missiology/intercultural studies at Fuller Seminary. Some have followed my musings, progress, whining, and more as I have journeyed along. Understanding that the first year is the toughest year, it is nice to have that behind me and a bit of a break until the end of September. I often get the question, “But why? Why does a person doing mission work need a doctorate?”
The short answer is that a lot of people doing mission work don’t. For the first 20 years or so of our mission journey we served on the front lines in pioneering new ministries, church planting, and community development. With a specific focus on teaching and mission preparation however, things like further education start to make a bit more sense. It really does depend on what the focus of ministry is. Without the experience of being in the trenches though, I am not sure I would have a whole lot to say at this point.
On a personal level, I have realized over the last 10 years or so that I love to learn. I have had a desire for quite some time to do this so it didn’t take a lot of convincing myself. It is also nice to be exhorted in this by many around me; it makes you feel a little less crazy. Ultimately though, I believe the Lord has uniquely led me down this journey and I just keep trying to follow His lead.
Beyond those big categories, Here are a few things that push me down this doctoral road.
Teaching and mission preparation is the goal
I see myself pouring into the next generation over this second half of my career so it makes sense to be as sharp as I can be in the area of intercultural studies. I have found real ease in the classroom and that this is a natural gifting for me. With the loss of eyesight as well, it also allows me to be in an environment that I can control and doesn’t have so many moving parts (literally). 🙂
Contributing through research
The Academy is a place of immense research, study and writing. It often affords the opportunity to read and write on current topics to both learn and contribute towards the mission of God. At this point I would hope that I have some unique contributions to make and I am not merely learning from everyone else.
Problem Solving
Every person in my cohort at Fuller has come to this 4-year program with a particular issue they are trying to solve. They call us “scholar-practitioners” because we are doing high level research but it ultimately is to be applied to ministry. For me the issue of marginalization, particularly among those who are disabled, seems to be a real problem for the Church. We just don’t know what to do with the healing narratives of Scripture, how to treat those with disabilities, and those on the margins are rarely considered for mission service. So for me, as an insider to the problem of marginalization, I want to use my voice to make a contribution. I hope and pray that the research will prove useful for mission agencies.
Overwhelming Need for Training
Both in the US but especially in the majority world there is a real lack of mission training. That need pushes me forward to see more and more leaders raised up and take the Gospel to the nations.
Charity too has a real passion for education and it is with the smaller people of the world. She will be stepping into an official role next semester where she resources teams and families as they deal with the realities of being part of a third culture. She has so much to contribute through her background in education, field experience, and the passion God has placed in her heart. She doesn’t show up often on social media and doesn’t enjoy writing so you may not see that window as much. Education is our game at this point it seems so I just wanted to give you a peek inside to see how it all fits together.
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