Hi Everyone, Thank you to everyone who helped me think through the options of South African schools. I still like them and will hopefully go that direction one day. However, my family and ministry work are at a stage where I cannot devote significant time to PhD studies. I would also like to work a bit more on some ministry and academic questions before going for the PhD. After much consideration, I decided to enroll in the DMin program at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. RPTS is the 5th oldest seminary in the USA. My goal is to write a mini-dissertation style final project for the DMin and use that to move into a PhD program. I plan to tackle the program one class at a time, which will give me something to focus on for the next several years. If I complete it in 8 years then most of my kids will be graduated and I should have some more time and funds to dedicate to doctoral studies. I'll pop in here from time to time to let everyone know how things progress. A DMin is one of those hybrid programs in that I'll be doing mini-residences each summer for classes. Cheers! ehenes
Good choice. I'm also doing a D.Min at Talbot School of Theology. I believe most D.Min programs are consisted of pre-residency reading and writing, a short residency (usually 2 weeks), and a post-residency project. Do that for three years and use the 4th, 5th (or even 6th and 7th) year to write the final dissertation project. Good luck and many blessings in your studies.
Thanks! Yeah, I've talked with the school and made sure that I can take as long as 10 years to complete the whole program. That's the maximum amount of time that ATS will allow. My plan is to take one course per year, for 8 years. After the 5th course I can begin to work on my dissertation project. My plan is to begin that in my 5th year and, Lord willing, complete it the same year I take my last class. It's a long slow approach but it'll keep me connected academically to a school and program and help me think more about potential PhD dissertation topics for when I am able to do that. I've heard good things about Talbot and would consider it but I need something within driving distance. RPTS is just under 5 hours away so not too far but not too close.
I took some classes during the 90's at RPTS (the one in Pittsburgh) there, good school with caring professors when I was there.
Thanks! Yeah, I am fairly excited to check it out. I like that I can spread out the coursework over 8 years. Once my kids are grown and time and finances are loosened up a bit then I'd like to do the PhD through SATS. Right now I do better to focus on my work as a pastor/church planter/campus minister.
