Editor’s Note: Scholar Leaders recently conducted a series of in-depth interviews with global theological leaders to learn how earning a PhD has impacted their careers. Our goal was to understand what the PhD has contributed to these leaders in the academic, executive, ecclesial, and social arenas. We share edited, condensed versions of those interviews here and in a future issue of this journal to prompt reflection about the goal of the theological PhD.  To protect some of the interviewees’ identities, we categorize by region rather than by country. 

Two African Perspectives

Interviewee #1

How has the PhD equipped you to lead in the church, the university, and/or the national government?

The PhD has been one of the most significant milestones in my life because it has equipped me for ministry and leadership roles in various areas. First, it strengthened my research and writing skills tremendously. Before the PhD, I was already writing books in Amharic, but my research methods and critical thinking needed refinement. The PhD taught me how to think critically, analyze data, and present my findings in a more structured and impactful way. In turn, these skills have helped me contribute more effectively to the church and academia.

In the church, the PhD equipped me to work with people at various levels, from grassroots to higher leadership. After my PhD, I began to play a more strategic role by helping initiate and oversee new projects, such as an initiative to expand our church building. I also introduced new practices inspired by my time abroad, like our monthly collection of food and money for the needy. My church has embraced these ideas so gladly that these efforts have become self-sustaining and have fostered unity and generosity in our congregation.

At the university, I took on more responsibilities after completing my PhD. I was asked to start an MA in Christian-Muslim Relations, and soon after, I was invited to serve as Academic Dean. My understanding of theology and my experience with people from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened during my PhD, making me more effective in these roles. So the PhD wasn’t just about research but about developing skills to manage and network with others, to collaborate with other leaders, to train people, and to develop programs that are now shaping the church’s approach to Muslim relations across the Horn of Africa.

The PhD also broadened my understanding of diversity, which is crucial for someone in leadership. Before, I felt knowledgeable about Islam and the Ethiopian context, but engaging with scholars and practitioners from all over the world during my studies made me realize how much more there is to learn. This humility has made me more approachable and willing to keep learning. So, in all these ways, the PhD wasn’t just an academic exercise. 

Share a story or two of the impact that the PhD has enabled you to make.

Before my PhD, I already had a passion for ministry to Muslims, but I lacked the broader network and research skills needed to develop a program on the scale of the MA in Christian-Muslim Relations. When I returned from the PhD, which I took abroad, to my home institution, I began working with the leadership to establish this program. We now have around 42 students in the program, many of whom are leaders in Muslim-majority areas.

The impact of this program is remarkable. One of our students, a seasoned leader who had been planting churches in Ethiopia for years, shared with me how his perspective shifted after taking our church-planting course. Before, he viewed his ministry as solely focused on Ethiopia. But after his studies, he felt challenged to expand his vision beyond our borders. Now, he’s planting churches in Djibouti, Somaliland, Eritrea, and North Kenya. He even has plans to reach North Sudan. This expanded vision is a direct result of his experience in our program.

Another story is related to a book I authored in Amharic, which I wrote specifically for Bible school students in the Ethiopian Kale Haywet Church network. When I returned from my PhD, I was approached by the church to create this textbook because the 162 Bible schools they operate lacked standardized teaching materials. Since its publication, the book has been used by students in more than 100 cities. Students are taking the content back to their communities, sharing it with other ministers and church members, and using it as a tool to train others in reaching out to other faiths. This ripple effect means that the impact of my PhD extends beyond just the students who read my book – my PhD is shaping the way entire communities think about and engage in interfaith ministry.

What 3-4 things do you need to continue to grow after your PhD?

First, I need to dedicate more time to writing and research. While I’ve been able to publish that book in Amharic for Bible school students, I still want to go deeper in producing more scholarly work, especially in Christian-Muslim relations. My goal is to develop more peer-reviewed articles and academic publications that contribute to the broader body of knowledge on Islam and ministry in the Horn of Africa. This project will also include writing discipleship materials in Amharic for Muslim Background Believers (MBB), as there is a lack of resources that address the specific needs and challenges they face. To achieve these goals, I need seminars on writing and research methods. Although the PhD helped me build foundational skills, I want to enhance my ability to write impactful articles and books and to conduct research. This enhancement would include developing a deeper understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods so that I can conduct research that truly addresses the gaps in our context.

In this same vein, I need continued funding for research projects and program development. In the African context, especially in Ethiopia, funding is a significant challenge. Conducting research requires travel, data collection, and other expenses. Without adequate funding, it’s difficult to move forward. Financial support would enable me to execute these projects and continue developing resources that benefit the church and the community.

Lastly, I need time and focus to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders in Christian-Muslim relations. Currently, my role as Academic Dean takes a lot of my time and energy. In the future, I want to be more involved in direct teaching, writing, and research and to draw young students and early-career leaders to collaborate with me. Such team projects would require a shift in responsibilities or possibly even stepping away from administrative roles so that I can concentrate on what I believe will have the greatest long-term impact.

What are the greatest challenges you see for the church and/or theological education in your context right now?

Ethiopia faces a significant gap in leadership development, especially for those ministering in Muslim-majority areas. Many church leaders and pastors are dedicated and passionate, but they lack formal training in understanding Islam. Pastors both in urban centers and in rural areas (where access to education is limited) need structured, tailored resources to guide their work. 

Discipleship is another major challenge. The Horn of Africa has thousands of Muslim Background Believers (MBBs), but the church lacks discipleship materials that address their unique needs. Without proper discipleship, many new believers struggle to grow in their faith and navigate the pressures they face from their families and communities. Developing contextualized discipleship materials in Amharic and other local languages is crucial, but it requires time, resources, and trained personnel – things that are often in short supply.

Finally, financial self-sustainability is a persistent challenge for the church. Many churches and theological institutions are still dependent on outside funding. This creates vulnerability, especially when external support diminishes. I believe that the church must work towards greater self-reliance by mobilizing resources from within the local community rather than constantly looking for external aid. Changing this mindset will not be easy and will require strong leadership, vision, and teaching on stewardship and generosity.

Interviewee #2

How has the PhD equipped you to lead in the church, the university, and/or the national government?

The PhD has been transformative for me. I’m currently teaching, which I started almost immediately after finishing my studies. I can tell that there’s a significant difference in my teaching now compared to when I was just a teaching assistant before the PhD. The PhD really broadened my mind so that, in my lectures, I’m not just scratching the surface anymore but diving into the depths of issues. I’m constantly reading more deeply so that I can communicate richer knowledge to my students. So the PhD has been a huge help in the classroom.

In terms of research, I truly feel like the PhD has opened my eyes to opportunities that I wish I’d seen earlier in my career. Before my PhD, I worked on the mission field. Back then, I could have done so much ethnographic study among the tribal people I served. So the PhD’s research orientation, especially the qualitative research, has made me realize the value of research for missionaries. I’ve been encouraging missionaries to take advantage of their close proximity to people’s everyday lives because they are in a unique position to collect information from and learn about the communities they serve.

Right now, I’m not heavily involved in church work, though I love teaching Sunday school. While my PhD doesn’t really come into play with teaching children, some principles I’ve learned, like the importance of inculturation and grounding children in biblical precepts, do influence my lessons. My husband is more active in church leadership because he’s a full-time missions pastor. We have a mission station on the coast, and while I’m not fully involved in that yet, I do hope eventually to contribute to our efforts by doing research on those people and helping the church understand them better so that we can minister to them more effectively.

How has your PhD been beneficial to you specifically as a woman leader?

The PhD has definitely allowed me to exercise greater leadership as a woman. I’ve noticed that it has opened doors for me, especially in terms of respect and opportunities. In the institution at which I’m currently faculty, I haven’t experienced negativity because of being a woman, unlike what I’ve heard from other places. 

Beyond my institution, the PhD has allowed me to sit at the same table with church leaders, both from our country and from around the world. They respect me and are willing to learn from me because of my PhD. In particular, I’ve had the opportunity to co-facilitate training sessions with other leaders. That kind of partnership wouldn’t have happened without the PhD. In addition, the PhD has motivated me to reach out to bishops and other church leaders to advocate for missions. In our country, missions haven’t been embraced fully by church leadership, who sometimes think that missions are only for the less educated. One of my key goals has been to challenge that mindset, to show that missions are as intellectually demanding and significant as pastoral work. The PhD has given me the credibility to have those conversations. So it has empowered me to lead in spaces where I wouldn’t have been able to before.

On that note, one of the biggest changes that I’ve noticed in myself is the confidence that the PhD has given me. I see this confidence when I engage with Muslim leaders as well. Before my PhD, when I was on the mission field, I used to keep a distance from the learned sheikhs, but now I feel equipped to have conversations with them. And it’s not just the men – I’m also eager to connect with learned Muslim women. So yes, as a woman, it’s definitely given me a platform that I didn’t have before.

Share a story or two of the impact that the PhD has enabled you to make.

On a recent trip to the coast, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I was going there to do research, and I had planned to interview Muslim men. But my husband, who usually helps me with such encounters, couldn’t come because of church commitments. I tried to find a Christian brother to join me, as it’s culturally inappropriate for a woman to meet Muslim men alone, but no one was available. Eventually, I found a local pastor who agreed to accompany me, and it turned out to be a transformational experience for him. This pastor had been living on the island for three years but had never thought of entering a mosque or engaging with Muslims. After that first encounter, he told me that he had learned so much and felt burdened to continue reaching out to Muslims. It wasn’t just a one-time experience for him; it opened his eyes to a whole new area of ministry. Now, he’s committed to attending more Muslim events, connecting with them, and seeing them as part of his mission. That’s something my PhD allowed me to facilitate – helping others look beyond the surface and embrace a broader vision of ministry.

Another example was a class that I taught about Folk Islam to a group of missionaries. These weren’t students but people actively engaged in missions. I was able to draw from my field research and show them video clips of what I had witnessed among Muslims. They were amazed because even though they had lived among these communities, they hadn’t been aware of some of these practices. Seeing those examples opened their eyes, and they realized they needed to dig deeper into the cultural and spiritual dynamics of the communities they were working with.

What 3-4 things do you need to continue to grow after your PhD?

First, I really need guidance on how to balance library work with fieldwork. This has been a big challenge for me. I had requested mentorship on this topic a while back, as I wanted to interact regularly with someone who could walk with me in developing my academic career without losing touch with the mission field. I’m still working on my dissertation for publication, and I’ve realized I need someone experienced who can help me find that balance between academia and practical ministry.

Second, I need to improve my skills in writing. It’s not just a requirement for my academic position but something I genuinely feel passionate about. African Christians have gathered so much knowledge that needs to be put down in articles and books for a global audience. I’ve attended some writing workshops, but the more in-depth ones are expensive. I could really benefit from tools that would help me refine my writing and get more of my work published, and that would equip me to teach others how to do the same.

Lastly, I need further training in research methodologies, especially in quantitative research. While I’ve become quite familiar with qualitative methods, I feel I need to strengthen my quantitative research skills to be more well-rounded. I’m currently teaching anthropological research methods, but I often feel like I’m learning as I go. As with writing, having more training on research methods would not only benefit me but also my students. 

What are the greatest challenges you see for the church and/or theological education in your context right now?

The greatest challenges I see for the church in my context is understanding and engaging with the communities outside our church walls. Although African academics have developed a great deal of knowledge, African missionaries really need to research Folk Islam much more carefully so that they can minister to those communities with more understanding. Many shy away from studying these practices due to fear. A related struggle is the battle to translate academic knowledge into practical mission work. Being too academic can hinder our ability to connect with people, but seeking to connect with people without understanding and respecting them will be fruitless. Addressing these issues is essential for the church to fulfill its mission effectively.

Three Asian Perspectives

Interviewee #1

How has the PhD equipped you to lead in the church, the university, and/or the national government?

The PhD really transformed my capacity to serve both in the church and the seminary. My studies at an international institution taught me critical thinking and how to engage with different perspectives, which is so important when dealing with students and congregations. Now, I don’t just approach teaching as a one-way delivery of information. Instead, I see it as a dialogue. I encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and even challenge what I’m saying. Doing so requires a major mental shift for them because our culture does not promote questioning of authority. Yet this practice helps them not only to learn but also to reflect deeply on their faith.

At the seminary, the PhD opened doors for me to be involved in shaping our new curriculum. We moved towards a more integrative approach, where biblical, theological, and practical perspectives are taught together. This project took a lot of collaboration among the faculty. But because of my training, I was able to help facilitate these discussions, and the new, integrative curriculum has helped us address more complex issues facing the church here, especially in a time of conflict and uncertainty. Now we can equip students not just with knowledge but with practical ways to live out their faith in the midst of these challenges.

The PhD has also connected me with a broader academic community, both locally and internationally. I’m often invited to participate in research projects, write for academic journals, and give guest lectures. These opportunities allow me to contribute more broadly to the church, which in turn benefits my teaching. So, the PhD isn’t just a qualification but a platform that enables me to be a bridge between academia and practical ministry.

Share a story or two of the impact that the PhD has enabled you to make.

One story relates to our new ThM and PhD program for students from a neighboring country. After I completed my PhD and joined the faculty my seminary, we began a new initiative to train these people to teach in seminaries in that country. Many of these students are already pastors, but they don’t have access to advanced theological training. I’ve been able to teach them on everything from research methods to the theology of suffering.

I think of one student in particular who was a pastor with little experience in academic research when he started the ThM program. He struggled with writing papers and understanding complex theological concepts. But we worked together, and I saw him grow so much. He recently graduated and has already started teaching at a local seminary. He’s even teaching Greek! I could see how excited he was to share this with me. Now, he’s considering pursuing a PhD, and I know that he’ll be a wonderful leader for his community. Seeing him transform from a hesitant student to a confident academic and pastor is so rewarding. 

More personally, during my PhD, I had a close relationship with a Christian sister who was going through a very difficult time. She struggled with depression and had strained relationships with her family. We would meet regularly for deep conversations. As we talked, I could see how God was slowly transforming her heart, helping her understand her own patterns and how they affected her relationships. After I graduated, I could see real changes in her life: she had a new perspective, more peace, and healthier relationships. This experience is something I carry into my ministry now: How do we support people through life’s challenges? How do we help them encounter God in their struggles?

That experience shows me that the PhD was not just an academic achievement. Instead, it was a time for God to prepare me for a broader ministry. It equipped me not only with knowledge but also with empathy and the ability to walk with others through their own journeys. 

What 3-4 things do you need to continue to grow after your PhD?

To continue growing after my PhD, I need more opportunities for collaboration, as well as time for focused research. Building connections with other scholars and engaging in joint projects would keep me engaged with ongoing conversations in both academia and the church. I believe these partnerships are vital for addressing pressing issues like how theology can speak to the emotional and spiritual challenges people in our country face today. Furthermore, a short sabbatical would allow me to dive into topics I’m passionate about, such as how the New Testament intersects with mental health and spiritual formation.

On that note, having better access to academic resources is crucial. Without access to comprehensive research databases and updated publications, it’s challenging to stay current and produce high-quality work. 

Finally, I want to spend more time mentoring students from this neighboring country. These students often face unique challenges as they transition into leadership roles, and I want to be able to provide both academic and personal guidance to help them thrive.

What are the greatest challenges you see for the church and/or theological education in your context right now?

One of the greatest challenges for the church and theological education in our context is dealing with the sense of hopelessness that our country’s political situation has created. Political changes and social pressures have created an atmosphere of fear, which has even entered into our churches. Many people, including young Christians, are struggling with whether to stay here, and this has affected their sense of belonging. It’s a difficult environment for the church. In it, theological education needs to offer guidance and hope.

Another challenge is the integration of academic study and practical ministry. Our seminary has worked hard to create a curriculum that connects theological knowledge to real-life application, but many students come with expectations of just learning doctrines or biblical content. By contrast, we want them to learn how to reflect theologically on the specific issues facing their congregations. It’s a shift that takes time and effort, both for students and faculty.

We also face the challenge of maintaining a good balance between honoring our cultural roots while being relevant in a global context. The church here is influenced by both Western and local cultures, and it’s crucial to find a way to integrate these influences meaningfully. Such integration is particularly challenging when it comes to engaging with students from neighboring countries, as cultural and political sensitivities can create barriers in the classroom. In fact, students from one of these countries in particular lack resources targeted for them. They struggle with academic expectations and language barriers. Many of them have the potential to become excellent leaders and teachers in seminaries back home, but they need support to reach that level. If we want to see these students succeed, we need to equip them for the extreme challenges they will face when they return home.

Interviewee #2

How has the PhD equipped you to lead in the church, the university, and/or the national government?

My PhD has equipped me to lead both in academia and the church by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. 

In particular, in my roles as Provost and assistant professor at a university, I manage academic initiatives, including pursuing international accreditation, which positions us as a pioneering institution in our country. My PhD has given me confidence to engage with senior colleagues and make high-stakes decisions that impact students, faculty, and the institution. It has also shaped my teaching approach so that I focus more intently on developing students’ critical thinking skills and on their character transformation. 

In the church, my PhD in missional engagement enhances my leadership, enabling me to mobilize resources, lead mission initiatives, and influence church growth in a challenging context. The fact that my dissertation itself focused on missions has been instrumental in guiding how the church in my Muslim-majority context can engage in mission despite internal and external restrictions.

How has your PhD been beneficial to you specifically as a woman leader?

My PhD has equipped me to lead as a woman by giving me both academic credibility and confidence to navigate this male-dominated environment. Of course, as a woman in leadership, I often encounter resistance based on traditional views. Yet, thanks to my PhD, I have and can demonstrate expertise in wise leadership. For instance, when male colleagues initially underestimated me as a young administrator, my PhD allowed me to make informed decisions so that I earned their respect over time. 

Surprisingly, resistance to my leadership comes not just from men but also from women, particularly women who feel threatened by my position, as I’ll discuss more in a moment. Yet the perseverance required for completing the PhD has formed in me a practice of resolve and courage. I am determined to lead with grace and wisdom, no matter how hurtful or unexpected the opposition may be, as I recognize that God has placed me in this role for a purpose. By relying on God’s guidance, I am intentional about not reacting out of fear to opposition. Instead, I seek to be professional, respectful, and discerning in every decision I make. 

Share a story or two of the impact that the PhD has enabled you to make.

When I first became a leader at our institution, a dean from a different religious tradition resented my position due to my younger age. She was openly hostile, bypassing me in meetings, but over time, I built a relationship with her through empathy and kindness, especially when she confided in me about her personal struggles. My PhD gave me influence that eventually helped bridge the gap between us. Her hostility turned into friendship and even into opportunities for me to share about my faith with her. 

During COVID-19, an older colleague struggled with the decisions taken by our institution’s leadership. She was especially upset about decisions going through my office, but over months of navigating her frustrations, I gained her trust by offering support and wisdom. She eventually expressed admiration for my calm, wise approach and thanked me for the positive impact I had on her during a challenging time. 

So the PhD formed holistic skills in me that have allowed me to foster reconciliation and trust in difficult professional relationships.

What 3-4 things do you need to continue to grow after your PhD?

To grow in my career, I need to focus on building my research profile by turning my dissertation into journal articles and contributing to academic publications. I also need to manage my workload more effectively, as my current administrative responsibilities often leave little time for research. Finding collaborations or assistance in converting chapters into articles would be crucial in overcoming these challenges. 

Additionally, I need to balance my roles in academia, church ministry, and family life. One of my greatest challenges is balancing the many roles I have – university administrator, lecturer, researcher, pastor’s wife, and mother – while also trying to maintain my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

What are the greatest challenges you see for the church and/or theological education in your context right now?

The greatest challenges facing the church and theological education in my context include addressing complex dynamics within the church community and adapting to the needs of students and faculty in an evolving educational landscape. Mobilizing the church for missions in our restrictive, multi-faith context is especially challenging. In theological education, there is a need to shift away from rote memorization towards fostering critical thinking and character transformation among students, ensuring that they not only acquire knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of their faith and its real-world application. These challenges require thoughtful leadership, open dialogue, and a commitment to adapting our approach to education and ministry.

Interviewee #3

How has the PhD equipped you to lead in the church, the university, and/or the national government?

The PhD has been a game-changer for me. Coming from a developing world context like the Philippines, having a PhD opens a lot of doors that wouldn’t have been accessible otherwise. It’s more than just academic training – it’s a symbol of social status and credibility. Because of that, I’m given a level of authority that allows me to connect with leaders from various sectors. My ability to see the big picture and assess strategic directions is something I could only have learned during the PhD.

In the church, the PhD has provided me a platform to influence both formal and non-formal ministries. With my PhD, I was able to develop a new certificate program for pastors that accredits them based on their skills and ministry experience, even if they don’t have formal theological education. This initiative helps bridge the gap for those who were previously overlooked or dismissed because they didn’t have “official” credentials. It’s already being recognized by the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

As for the university, the PhD has allowed me to train the next generation of leaders. I teach in the Asia Graduate School of Theology’s doctoral program while also leading non-formal training programs for pastors. 

In terms of the national context, having a PhD lends credibility when engaging with government bodies, especially since we’ve seen issues with diploma mills in the Philippines. There’s a lot of skepticism around degrees because of bogus certifications, but having a legitimate PhD sets a different tone. It’s not just about the title, but the skills that come with it – critical thinking, integrity, strategic planning, and large-scale, long-term management capacity.

Share a story or two of the impact that the PhD has enabled you to make.

In the Philippines, a lot of pastors have been faithfully serving for years, even decades, but they’ve never had the chance to get formal theological training. Many of them can’t read or write in English, but they’re planting churches, discipling believers, and leading communities. Traditionally, these pastors have been dismissed because they don’t meet the usual academic standards. But through the new program I developed, which I mentioned above, we’re able to assess pastoral skills and give certificates in pastoral leadership that are recognized by the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches. The process isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about a pastor’s capacity to lead and serve. We ask them to show us how they share the Gospel, how they run Bible studies, and how they deal with pastoral challenges. For some, it takes months of interviews and observations. It’s a rigorous process, but it’s been so rewarding because these pastors can now have something tangible that acknowledges their competence. They can even use this certification for government transactions, which is a huge step for their credibility.

What 3-4 things do you need to continue to grow after your PhD?

The PhD equipped me with skills to do research, but I need to invest more time in producing academic materials that can benefit the church and the wider community. I want to write more books, peer-reviewed articles, and practical resources that address pastoral leadership and Christian education in the Filipino context. This will include collaborating with other scholars to co-author or edit books that can have a broader impact. 

In the same way, I need to keep myself engaged in short-term trainings, seminars, and conferences. Areas like effective leadership strategies, non-formal training methods, and holistic pastoral care are some of the fields I want to delve into further. Continuous learning is crucial because the landscape of ministry is always changing, and I want to be well-equipped to address emerging challenges.

Another significant challenge I face is the need for financial and structural support. For example, conducting assessments and interviews with pastors in remote areas requires resources. If I’m to continue and expand this pastoral certification program, I need partnerships with organizations and individuals who can provide the necessary support, whether that’s through funding, logistical help, or networking.

Finally, I’ve realized that personal growth, especially in my relationship with the Lord, is crucial for effective ministry. I’d like to spend more intentional time in spiritual reflection and mentoring relationships, both as a mentee and a mentor, to keep myself grounded and aligned with God’s calling.

What are the greatest challenges you see for the church and/or theological education in your context right now?

The greatest challenges I see for the church in our context right now revolve around pastoral health and unity across formal and non-formal training.

First, pastoral health is a big concern. Many pastors are struggling emotionally and spiritually, but they often don’t have the support systems to help them through these challenges. Financial difficulties are a huge burden on them as well. I’ve seen pastors who had to leave the ministry because of financial stress, which in turn affected their families and their faith. If the pastors themselves are not healthy, it affects the health of the church and even the community around them. We need to address pastoral health holistically – financially, emotionally, spiritually – because when pastors are strong, the church is strong too.

Second, the divide between formal and non-formal training is a major issue. There’s often a misunderstanding and even distrust between those who’ve gone through formal seminary training and those who’ve been trained informally. This distrust creates a barrier in cooperation. In my ministry I attempt to bridge this gap by creating neutral platforms where both sides can come together, share their experiences, and learn from each other. We need to demolish these silos and find ways for the formal and non-formal sectors to collaborate, because both are necessary for building up the church.

These challenges are complex, and they won’t be solved overnight. But if we can address them prayerfully, I believe the church in the Philippines can become more united in its mission.