sustain:if:able kiwi

pastoring with a Phd

John Stackhouse has been writing about why do a PhD, and then a fascinating plea for more pastors who do PhD’s and offer a thinking, preaching, pastoral ministry. All of relevance to me, firstly, because I am a pastor with a PhD, who also lectures in a seminary. And secondly, because my seminary (BCNZ) employer has forced me to think about that combination as it affects my future.

Last week I went through the somewhat humiliating process of having to re-apply for my lecturing job and then the relief of being offered that job again. So after all the angst, it is steady as she goes, part-time pastor, part-time lecturer.

It’s given me lots to think about, in terms of how my gift-mix might mix with academy and parish. And caused me to write this on a recent winter’s morning.

“I have much to give thanks for. A pastoral job which gives me sabbaticals – time to reflect, write, think, refresh, pause. A pastoral job which keeps me close to the Bible – reading Biblical text and commentaries. A pastoral job which pushes me – recent sermon series on Old Testament minor prophets and now Deuteronomy have been wonderfully enriching intellectual and spiritual challenge. A pastoral job which people’s me – among real life pain and quest and hunger and connection. A pastoral job with team – the gifts and passions of Paul and Craig, and Ken and Dierdre, and Lynne and Dave – there’s much goodness in and among. A job with creativity – changing our auditorium space in May, communion last week with the haunting cellist, etc etc. It’s a rich and diverse job, even at 7 a.m. on a winters morning.”

Such are the upsides and so cause me to agree with John, the church needs PhD’s in the pastorate. If I have time and the inkling, I might note some of the negatives.