By: Brian Chilton, PhD | October 16, 2022
Brian Chilton offers a series of three reflections on his PhD journey. The first entry looks at the divine calling needed when studying advance theological studies and when entering programs at this level.
On September 23, 2022, my PhD journey came to an end. For it was on Friday, September 23rd that I successfully defended my dissertation and completed a program that took me five years to complete. My degree was officially conferred on Thursday, September 29th. Now, I officially carry the title “doctor.” However, this journey was not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. One estimate asserts that only 1.2% of the population of the United States holds a PhD. There is a reason for this—the workload is intense. One of my colleagues conservatively estimated that we read somewhere around 40,000 pages and had written something around 1,000 pages in the program.
Despite the difficulties, I have truly been blessed to have been part of this program. I have gained several friends from the classes that I have taken, many of whom have joined the Bellator Christi team. As I reflect on this journey, I will write a three-part series on these reflections describing the joys, the miracles, and lessons learned through this phase of my life. The second reflection will look at the duration of the program and the dedication and persistence required. The third reflection will peer into an unexpected side of doctoral work that I never anticipated prior to the dissertation phase, and that is that one can expect tremendous spiritual warfare to ensue during the scope of the program.
My desire is that these reflections will prove beneficial for anyone who is contemplating whether a PhD program is right for them. But even if you do not feel led to pursue a PhD, these insights may be helpful for you as you engage in any major ministry that requires a great deal of work and perseverance. This first submission will investigate the calling that went into my PhD work.
Reflection on the Calling That Was Required
My first interaction with the program was with Dr. Leo Percer. He was the chair of the program when I started and served as my dissertation chair. Dr. Percer wisely told us that if we enter the program for any other reason outside of being divinely called, then we were doing it for the wrong reasons. I have often thought about Dr. Percer’s words because God made it clear to me that he had called me to this program. This calling must not be about a desire to be called a “doctor.” This desire must not be about a sense of prestige. Rather, this calling must emanate from God’s revelation to an individual that he wants him or her to pursue this level of academic research as part of a larger ministerial task.
Reflection on the Calling That Was Revealed
The beginning of my journey was auspicious. I had applied to various programs for teaching positions thinking that a Master of Divinity was all that was required. However, a school told me that they were only accepting resumes from candidates who had obtained a PhD (or a Doctor in Philosophy). I thought to myself, “I do not know if I have the intellect or patience to earn a PhD.” Oddly enough, I started the application process but stopped midway. I saved my progress and prayed about whether I should apply or not. I prayed that if God wanted me to earn a PhD, then he needed to show me.
The next day, a representative from Liberty University contacted me. He said, “Mr. Chilton, our records show that you began to apply to the PhD program but never finished. Can I help you in any way?” After speaking with him, I felt a bit more comfortable applying. Because I did not think that I would be accepted, then what was the harm? I prayed that if it was God’s will for me to enter this program, then I needed to be accepted on the first attempt. I then submitted the required 30-page paper and took the Miller’s Analogy Test at Appalachian State University, still thinking that I would not be accepted.
After a few weeks of not hearing any response pro or con, I decided to contact the university. To my surprise, the lady on the phone said, “I am checking your records Mr. Chilton, and I am proud to announce that you were accepted into the PhD program today!” Talk about a jaw-dropping moment. The Lord positively answered each time I asked if it was his will for me to begin PhD studies. Each time I offered an excuse as to why I could not, he offered a response as to why I could.
Reflection on the Calling That Was Rescued
Not only did God call me to the program, but God also wondrously interjected himself through life events to ensure that I would be able to finish. One such example occurred toward the end of the classroom portion of the program. I had two classes remaining before moving on to the comprehension exams. To worsen the situation, Bibliology was one of the classes I needed to take. This class brought a great deal of anxiety as Bibliology was known for being one of the toughest classes in the entire program.
Unlike many things in life, this class lived up to the hype. The workload was intense, and the grading was extremely rigid. The prestigious Dr. John Morrison taught the class. Dr. Morrison was known for being a tremendous man of God, but he also had the reputation for being extremely tough when it came to grading. In my estimation, Dr. Morrison is a certified genius. I learned more in his class than most I have ever taken. I grew a great appreciation for Dr. Morrison after taking his class. Though I made an A- in his class, I was prouder of my A- in Bibliology than any A+ I had received in other class. Dr. Morrison retired shortly after I took his course. I was honored to have been part of the last class he taught. I have the greatest respect for him.
Unfortunately, before taking the Bibliology and Natural Theology intensives, I faced a set of troublesome circumstances that nearly derailed my attempt to finish. The handwriting had been on the wall for a while that it was time for me to leave my appointed ministry. However, leaving posed a series of difficulties.
We faced a housing problem as we had moved into a parsonage and had sold our previous home. If we moved, where would we live? If we left, where would I work? Furthermore, how would I be able to finish the two remaining classes if I worked a public job? Would I find a place of employment that would work with me to finish? At this time, COVID had struck, and the weeklong in-person intensives had been temporarily moved online. How would I find a job where I could find the needed time off to finish these last two classes?
God managed a housing problem.
In both circumstances, God showed up at the right moment to provide a means for me to finish strong. God showed up in two mighty ways. First, God managed the housing situation a year ahead of time. God’s Spirit began to divinely impress on my heart the need to build a house very soon. I communicated this urgent need to my wife. At first, she was hesitant. But then, God began moving on her heart. She eventually agreed that God was leading us to build. So, we looked at various house plans, but nothing seemed to meet our needs.
Eventually, we learned of a building company located near where my wife grew up. We looked at their website. We tussled over several models, but we eventually agreed on a model called Diamond Creek. One thing led to another. Before we knew it, God stepped in to allow us to build our dream home and provided a safety net for when we left our place of ministry. We no longer faced the threat of homelessness, which is one of the reasons why I advise ministers against staying in parsonages.
Even in the building process, God intervened at various periods to allow the project to continue. But you can imagine the level of stress I faced at this time. Not only was I forced to face the problems of finishing the program and the ensuing troubles within my occupation at the time, but I also now faced the pressing need to keep my family housed and protected. A lot was riding on this building project. It wasn’t until the house was nearly finished that we learned that we needed to get an agreement signed by a neighbor so that we could get power. Thankfully, that worked out well.
Then, we also needed to dig a well to get water. A well can make or break a building project. God led us to a certain area—an area that was met with great suspicion by our project supervisor. The location provided an abundance of water, something like 100 gallons of water a minute! Plus, the well came in under budget! This was just one of the numerous ways that God blessed us during this project.
God managed an occupational problem.
Second, God interceded in another amazing fashion—he provided a way for me to finish the program even while changing positions. What I am about to say is not to disgrace anyone, and neither is it meant to disparage. At the place where I had been serving, some people tried to make life difficult for me. And that is not to say that I handled everything well either. The entire experience granted many life lessons. All being said, I was in a bad place in my personal life. To add to the complexities of the issue, I was not sure that I had either the mental or spiritual reserves to continue in the program. My plight became so dire that I had to take anxiety medication for the first time in my life.
As I reflect on the events of my past, God is helping me to heal from past wounds. I had been involved in an awfully tough situation, but this was far from the first time. As I previously noted, the handwriting was on the wall, and it was time for me to move on from my position. Even though I was hurt deeply, I don’t think that anyone involved in the scenario was a bad person. Sometimes, certain pastors don’t fit within the culture of certain churches, and that’s okay. That’s why God allows different churches to exist and calls different pastors to serve them. I have forgiven the parties involved as I move onward, as I hope they have forgiven me for any bad decisions on my part.
Even still, I had a few classes remaining. I realized I needed to leave and had no clue as to where I would work. That’s when God stepped interceded yet again. I learned from a dear friend of mine about a position in chaplaincy. I submitted an application and waited to hear back from them. The then-supervisor of family services contacted me about a week after applying. I told her about my need to finish the two last classes of my PhD program and about my need to take off those weeks so that I could attend the sessions. I thought for sure that my request would have eliminated me from consideration.
However, it didn’t. She hired me with the understanding that I would be off those two weeks. During that time, I was able to complete the classes and had a wonderful time doing so. How God intervened is nothing short of miraculous. He provided for the right people to be in the right places at the right times to bring me to the finish line. For that reason, I no longer believe in coincidences, but rather I believe in divine appointments.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my past, I also reflect on my future. I must confess that I am more confused than ever as to what God wants me to do moving forward. Nevertheless, God was faithful to me and my family at several junctures while in the PhD program. And if God delivered us as he did, then God must have something important for us ahead. God’s calling was exemplified as he made a way even when I thought it was nearly impossible. But is that not just like God?
Mary was like the rest of us as she thought a virgin could never conceive a child. But the angel Gabriel reminded her, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, CSB). The Israelites thought it was impossible for God to divide the Red Sea to allow them to pass. Yet they walked on dry land because of God’s display of power. No matter what God calls you to do, trust in his sovereign direction. Because, as the old saying goes, “If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it.” But such a calling also requires a great deal of perseverance. That will be the subject of the next reflection.
About the Author
Brian G. Chilton earned a Ph.D. in the Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast and the founder of Bellator Christi. Brian received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); earned a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and plans to purse philosophical studies in the near future. He is also enrolled in Clinical Pastoral Education to better learn how to empower those around him. Brian is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society.
Brian has served in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years and currently serves as a clinical hospice chaplain and interim pastoral work. Additionally, he serves as an editor for the Eleutheria Journal. At the prompting of the Lord, Brian established Bellator Christi Ministries in 2012. The ministry is aimed to provide readily available resources in theology, apologetics, biblical studies, and philosophy to those who want to know what Christianity teaches and why it should be believed. In 2019, Brian published his first book entitled the Layman’s Manual on Christian Apologetics. After finishing his Ph.D., Brian intends to publish more books. His areas of expertise include early Christology, early NT creeds, near-death experiences, biblical reliability, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and the need for empathy.
https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104
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