"Why not Dallas Theological Seminary?"

Hello friends and family,

Throughout mine and Jimmy's journey to Boston, it seems that one particular question continues to be asked and resurface:"Why are you going all the way to Boston for seminary? Why didn't you just go to Dallas Theological Seminary? Isn't it in Dallas?"

This is a great question. In fact, Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is a phenomenal, top-notch seminary, and is one of the leading seminaries in the nation and world. We both have been blessed by DTS trained pastors, counselors, students and teachers throughout our years of living in DFW and attending Denton Bible Church and Christ Fellowship. Jimmy did apply and get in to DTS, and so it was always a very good, viable option for him and his studies.

But....why didn't Jimmy end up choosing to study at DTS? In many ways, the decision was more about trusting in faith where Jesus was leading us than it was the logistics. Here are some of the reasons why we chose to leave Dallas.

1. Boston Theological Institute (BTI)

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) is involved with the Boston Theological Institute. While attending GCTS, Jimmy has the opportunity to use the resources (libraries, online catalogues, etc.) and attend classes at a large number of divinity schools in Boston proper, including Harvard Divinity School, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Boston University School of Theology and more. Due to Jimmy's niche interest in 17th century church history, a large number of courses offered at these schools will be extremely beneficial to his studies. Jimmy also intends to pursue his PhD directly after finishing his Masters degree, and he would like to attain his PhD at an Ivy League or a university overseas (Cambridge, Oxford, Aberdeen, etc.). Taking classes at a number of these universities (ahem, Harvard!) is a necessary step for his future studies. Here is an excerpt about the BTI on their website:

"The Boston Theological Institute (BTI) is an association of ten university divinity schools, schools of theology and seminaries in the Greater Boston area, registered as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. It is one of the oldest and largest theological consortia in the world. It includes as constitutive members schools representing the full range of Christian churches and confessions and a Rabbinical School as of January 1, 2011. Additionally, persons representing other religious traditions are present in many of our schools. The BTI is not a degree granting institution, but coordinates various administrative, program and academic activities so as to enhance the work of the member schools".(www.bostontheological.org)

2. Partnership Program

GCTS has an incredible opportunity for a select amount of their students called the Partnership Program (PP). Essentially, the PP is a full tuition scholarship funded by a team of ministry supporters and donors (many Christ Fellowship attendees graciously support us! Thank you!) who come alongside us prayerfully and financially during our time at GCTS. Here is more information featured on the GCTS website:

"The Partnership Program* at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is designed to equip you for Kingdom work while relieving you of the worry of educational debt.

The program provides a number of co-curricular activities and resources in Biblical Stewardship, as well as a Full Tuition Scholarship that is renewable every year.

As a part of the curriculum, you will gain practical ministry skills, receive education and experience in applying biblical stewardship principles, and participate in one-on-one and small group discipleship training—all important for future service in church, parachurch and evangelistic ministries, on the mission field, and in numerous other areas of Christian leadership." (www.gcts.edu)

We are blessed for Jimmy to have been given the opportunity to receive an incredible education while not having the debt many Masters programs can accrue. 

3. Stepping out of the boat
While DTS could and would have been a wonderful option for us, we both felt the calling in our lives to follow Jesus in faith to where He was leading us, not where it was most comfortable. Having been Texans by birth, we recognize this season as one to push us to grow, trust and rely on Jesus rather than our family and friends. Without having children yet, there was nothing keeping us from staying in Texas (other than stable jobs and less expensive rent). Ha!

How much trusting would it require of us to stay in a place we knew our entire lives? For our family, not very much. Jimmy and I are passionate for living out our walk with the LORD by being lights in a dark world. There is a great need for rooted, grounded believers in New England, and we are looking forward to growing in our faith in a place so different from home. Trusting in Jesus for the next couple of years for employment, finances and community is one that will benefit us for the rest of our lives. 

4. Adventure!
Personally, it has always been a dream of mine to move to the northeast for a season and experience a new part of our country. This opportunity allowed this dream to come true!

5. Tim Keller
Ha - kidding! But on a serious note, Tim Keller attended GCTS and this reassured us that it was indeed a very reputable institution that we could align ourselves with easily. 

All in all, we are excited to be settling into South Hamilton and are excited to see how the LORD's plan will continue to unveil itself. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and for your continued encouragement! Texas will always be our home, and there's no way to take Texas out of this girl!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

 

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight."

- Proverbs 3: 5-6 - 

In Him,

The Millers