For nearly two years I’ve been working on a doctorate program. There are two general fields of doctoral programs: research (PhD) and professional (Doctorate of Medicine, for example). Generally speaking, one person teaches and another one does. In the religious world there is something called a Doctorate of Ministry, or DMin. That is what I’m pursuing at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
There are on campus courses and what’s called a “Ministry Project.” A Ministry Project is an opportunity for me to research, prepare, implement, and track the progress of some type of ministry-emphasis in my current ministry.
For example, when we were in Michigan, my Ministry Project was going to be “Equipping Parents at Central Oaks Community Church to Minister to Wayward Young Adult Children.” There was a chance that my advisor at Southern was going to encourage (make?) me do that same project but here at Lake Hills. However, by God’s grace, he has given me the liberty to change the ministry project.
All I lack is to take one more on campus course in Louisville, KY this January and then do the Ministry Project.
If you’re willing, please ask the Lord to give me guidance on what I should focus on for the Ministry Project. It is an opportunity to make a significant impact at Lake Hills for a long time.
By the way, when I finish this degree, prepare to call me, “The Honorable Reverend Doctor J. Douglas Riggs!” 🙂
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