— reflection on research
Research as Worship and Ministry:
A Journey Toward Equipping Others
As I continue to pursue God’s calling in ministry and scholarship, I am preparing for a season of academic growth and equipping. In 2025, I plan to complete two degrees: a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) from Redemption Seminary (Redemption Seminary, 2024) and an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University (Bush School, 2024a, 2024b). Building on these foundations, I plan to begin a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in Expository Preaching and Teaching from Liberty University in 2026 (Liberty University, 2024a).
This progression reflects my commitment to serving both the church and broader society. The MABS will deepen my theological understanding, while the EMPSA equips me with practical skills for nonprofit leadership. Together, these degrees will prepare me to integrate Scripture and servant leadership into my work, culminating in the Liberty DMin program’s focus on equipping others to address today’s cultural challenges through expository preaching and teaching. My ultimate aim is to glorify God by equipping others to stand firmly for biblical truth while demonstrating Christlike love to a world in need.
Theological Foundation: Research as Worship
I believe research is more than an academic exercise—it is an act of worship. Scripture reminds us that all work is to be done “heartily, as for the Lord” Colossians 3:23, and this principle has shaped my approach to scholarship. Research allows me to uncover God’s truth and reflect His glory. John MacArthur (2011) aptly describes worship as not merely an event but a way of life, stating, “It must saturate every thought, action, and pursuit” (p. 112). This perspective transforms my academic pursuits into opportunities to glorify God by seeking knowledge, applying biblical principles, and inspiring others to draw closer to Him.
The humility required for research reflects the posture of servant leadership modeled by Jesus. In Mark 10:45, Jesus declared, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”. This servant-hearted approach informs my ministry and scholarship, where the goal is not self-promotion but lifting others up and pointing them to Christ.
Expository Teaching and Holistic Discipleship
The focus of my DMin program on expository preaching and teaching aligns perfectly with my calling to integrate Scripture into every aspect of life and ministry. Expository preaching, which carefully unpacks the meaning of the text, allows God’s Word to speak clearly and powerfully into contemporary challenges. My work with Shoe Leather Gospel has shown me the transformative power of teaching Scripture in a way that connects eternal truths to everyday life.
Holistic discipleship is central to my approach. When Jesus called us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind Luke 10:27, He was challenging us to live fully integrated lives where faith shapes every thought and action. My research explores how this holistic discipleship can empower Christians to live out their faith in public and private life, bringing biblical principles to bear on issues like justice, governance, and ethical decision-making.
Christian Ethics in Public Life
At the heart of my research is a passion for integrating Christian ethics into public life. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, offering an alternative to the secular ideologies that dominate much of contemporary culture. By drawing on the biblical narrative of Creation, Rebellion, Redemption, and Restoration, I seek to challenge human-centered political and ethical frameworks with a gospel-centered vision of justice, mercy, and humility Micah 6:8.
Historical figures such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Wilberforce provide valuable case studies for this work. Bonhoeffer stood firmly against the evils of the Nazi regime while demonstrating grace and humility, and Wilberforce’s relentless campaign against slavery offers a model of perseverance and faith in action (Metaxas, 2010; Piper, 2007). These examples illustrate how Christians can courageously confront injustice while reflecting the love of Christ..
Mission and Vision: Research with Kingdom Impact
Mission: To engage in doxological research that integrates expository preaching, servant leadership, and Christian ethics into the pressing issues of our time, equipping believers to stand for truth with love and grace.
Vision: To see a generation of Christian leaders, equipped with biblical principles, transform their spheres of influence with justice, mercy, and humility, building a society that honors God and reflects His Kingdom.
Research as a Pursuit of Excellence
Excellence is not optional for those who serve the Lord. The Bible calls us to bring our best to God, as seen in the principle of offering the first fruits (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10). This theology of excellence shapes my commitment to pursuing rigorous, thoughtful, and impactful research. Excellence in scholarship means not only meeting high academic standards but also balancing personal, professional, and spiritual responsibilities in a way that honors God (Boa, 2001).
In my own life, this balance involves integrating family, ministry, and academic pursuits into a Christ-centered whole. By pursuing excellence in every area of life, I aim to reflect the glory of God and inspire others to do the same.
Conclusion: Research for God’s Glory
Ultimately, my academic journey is about more than earning a degree—it is about contributing to the larger narrative of God’s Kingdom. As Romans 11:36 reminds us, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever”. Whether through expository preaching, theological inquiry, or cultural engagement, my goal remains the same: to glorify Christ and point others to the hope of the gospel.
As the Colson Fellows Program taught me, engaging culture with a biblical worldview is not optional—it is a mandate. Through this research and ministry, I hope to equip others to stand for truth, serve with humility, and live faithfully in a world desperately in need of the hope of Christ.
References
Boa, K. (2001). Conformed to His image: Biblical and practical approaches to spiritual formation. Zondervan.
Bush School. (2024a). Executive Master of Public Service and Administration: Overview. Texas A&M University. Retrieved from https://bush.tamu.edu/empsa/
Bush School. (2024b). Nonprofit Management Track: Curriculum Overview. Texas A&M University. Retrieved from https://bush.tamu.edu/empsa/curriculum/tracks/npm/
John MacArthur. (2011). Slave: The hidden truth about your identity in Christ. Thomas Nelson.
Liberty University. (2024a). Doctor of ministry (DMin) – Expository preaching and teaching. Liberty University Online. Retrieved from https://www.liberty.edu/online/divinity/doctoral/dmin/expository-preaching-and-teaching/
Metaxas, E. (2010). Bonhoeffer: Pastor, martyr, prophet, spy. Thomas Nelson.
Piper, J. (2007). Amazing grace in the life of William Wilberforce. Crossway.
Redemption Seminary. (2024). Master of arts in biblical studies: Program overview. Redemption Seminary. Retrieved from https://redemption.edu/degrees