Doctorates, anyone?

A doctoral degree (earned) is essential for teaching in a university in Canada.

These days, however, it is common to see pastors of small churches with doctoral degrees. The discipline of learning is one reason for obtaining a doctorate.....or any other degree for that matter. Some denominations require a minimum of a masters for ordination.

Some of the best teachers I sat under had no theological degrees and only honourary doctorates,,,,DD's....devil disturbers. Then, that was another time....I started out in ministry with an architectural diploma and two years in a Baptist Bible College.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Saggy, are you talking about a research doctorate (Ph.D., Th.D.) or a professional doctorate (D.Min.).

Since I'm an academic, I went into seminary with a Ph.D. as my goal. I've always enjoyed in-depth research and the classroom environment, so a Ph.D. and university/seminary teaching always seemed like a good fit. The birth of my son meant taking a break from graduate work, but I'm hoping to get back on that horse in a few months (when he starts Kindergarten ). Ideally, if/when I finish the Ph.D. I'll teach full time and pastor churches that could not otherwise afford a pastor.

In my experience, clergy pursue research doctorates for any combination of the following reasons:

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• they are academic types and really enjoy research and study at that level</font>
• they plan to teach in a seminary or university</font>
• they don't know what they want to do, and a free degree with a stipend and student loan deferrment is too good to pass up</font>
• the congregations whom they would someday like to serve will only consider people with doctorates, and the research degree is a better fit for their interests than a professional degree</font>

People generally do professional doctorates because:
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• They have a practical area of ministry where they would like to do advanced research</font>
• It is necessary for their career progression</font>

Are there other reasons I'm not thinking of?

[ December 27, 2002, 12:51 AM: Message edited by: Rev. Joshua ]

 

I have a DDS
that stands for door to door salesman

 

If I ever sign my name with D.D. behind it.....mark it down.......I've done hours and hours of research.....in special darkened places where others fear to tread......coming out with jewels and delequacies (sp) fit for only the deep to consume....(I know there's a joke here somewhere) it means Dumpster Diver. HA!!!!!

Some DD's I've come into contact with dove in deep and came up smelling and raunchy.

Thanks ------Bart

[ January 19, 2003, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Bartimaeus ]

 

I am a T.D.

Taxi Driver

(Emphasis mine )

Pete, T.D.

 

I have a Phd in Biblical Counseling and a Thd in Theology.

The counseling degree was to help me in the pastoral ministry.

The Theology degree was to help me in research, preaching and teaching.

Rufus

 

I look forward to doctoral work, as I've dipped a toe in both strands (research and professional). I'd prefer to do Ph.D., but will do D.Min. I want to be as best equipped for Kingdom Work as I can be.