S6E9 Reflections on My PhD Journey

By: Dr. Brian Chilton and Curtis Evelo | November 22, 2022

We find ourselves between two theology series. This episode will look into the spiritual life lessons that Dr. Brian Chilton learned through the PhD program. These life lessons are not only true for academic studies, but also for anything that a person does in life for the glory of God.

Questions Covered

What barriers did you find with the language? How did you adapt the academic language to everyday life?
In your first article, you mentioned the importance of calling. How did you know that God called you to go for a PhD?
Your second reflection spoke about some of the spiritual lessons you learned during the program. What did you mean when you said that great things take time?
You also mentioned the advice that the late Dr. Ron Williams gave you about how one eats an elephant. Describe that for us.
What did you mean by if you don’t find contentment before the PhD, you won’t find it afterward?
You also spoke of the humility you found having gone through the program. Speak on that for a moment.
Your latest article mentions the spiritual warfare you faced in anxiety, doubt, and opposition. How did you handle these issues?
Describe the spiritual disciplines that helped you when facing spiritual warfare.

About our Hosts

Brian G. Chilton earned his Doctor of Philosophy 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 serves as an interim pastor in northwestern North Carolina. 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

Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. Curtis is the Co-Host and Producer of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He often teaches and speaks at his church Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country. Curtis serves as the Vice-President of Bellator Christi Ministries, a contributor, and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. His research interests include Jewish studies in the New Testament, Old Testament typologies, and studies on free will.

Questions Covered

About our Hosts

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