Where I've Been All Week
As many of you know I did not preach on Sunday. James Allen preached in my place. After my sermon on Sunday the 15th, I got on a plane and flew to Raleigh, North Carolina and returned on Sunday the 22nd. So what have I been doing all week? So glad you asked! Some of you know I recently entered a doctoral program at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to pursue a Doctorate of Ministry with a specialization in expository preaching. The Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min) degree consists of eight seminars and a project. Here are a few questions that people have asked me concerning this degree.
Why Are You Pursuing It?
There are many reasons for doing this. First of all, my wife has been encouraging me to get a doctorate for some time now. Second, theological education is one of the main ways I've seen God mature, challenge, and shape me as a follower of Christ. Third, I need to become a better preacher. Fourth, this degree allows me to stay where I am and requires minimal on-campus participation. Fifth, the leadership at Metro East approved my request to continue my education. When you add all of these together, I am left without excuse!
How Long Is The Degree?
The program will take approximately three years. I have four seminars in 2012 and 2013 and a project to complete in 2014. My hope is to take no longer than the minimum time to complete this.
How Often Will You Be Away From Metro East?
I am only required to be on campus ten days a year for the next two years. I have one more seminar in May at Southeastern and I will not return until January of 2013. The rest of the work will be done in Wichita.
Will This Affect Your Work At Metro East?
No. In fact, the reading, writing, and my final project require me to communicate and interact more with my place in ministry, not less.
Why SEBTS?
There are two reasons I've chosen Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. First, Tony Merida is currently a professor there. He and I were together in New Orleans and when I heard he was moving to Raleigh my ears perked up. The second reason is that I am becoming more and more impressed with SEBTS. Danny Akin, the current president, is a man that I greatly admire and respect. I love what he is doing there (plus he bought me Chilis the first day of class!). You can check out the seminary here.
How Was The First Week?
I cannot explain how fruitful last week proved to be. The interaction I had with classmates, professors, and friends refreshed my passion for preaching, for the Gospel, and for Metro East. I am extremely grateful for the past seven days. I cannot wait to see the ripple effect it will have in my ministry and walk with Christ. Though I do not prefer being away from my family or Metro East, I am truly grateful for being allowed to participate in this program. I want to thank my wife for encouraging me, and Metro East for allowing me to be away this past week.
I covet your prayers as I continue this program. I do not take the leadership's permission to continue my education lightly. Thank you for being a church that values the Word as well as education. I am convinced that only growing pastors can lead growing churches. May these next few years bear fruit in my life and in our church.
And you won't have to call me Doctor when its all said and done!
Love ya,
Pastor Greg
