Over at my other blog, I cross-posted that post where I am requesting ‘sponsorship’ for the PhD work I would like to do. I had a guy named John 
respond like this:
I wish you all the best. Pursue your dreams! Your request for sponsorship brings up one thing Iβve always struggled with. It is when Christians ask others (family or not) to help pay their way through college, especially when people have taken out college loans and/or worked their way through. When people tie it to ministry, it seems like one justifying the request. Iβm not trying to be negative, because I have an open mind and willing to change my view if convinced through Godβs Word. Any help or thoughts on this topic? Thanks.
I have thought about this, I didn’t really think that I should provide an argument when I put this request out there; I think I could make a tenable theological and exegetical case for asking for support like this, but what do you think?
His response caught me off guard a bit. By the way, I have accrued thousdands of dollars of student loan debt (from undergrad and grad); and I actually worked my booty off throughout my prior education. Anyway, I might write up an argument for asking for support like this; if it seems necessary. But, again, what do you think about John’s question (it is definitely a legitmate one)? You can see how I briefly responded to him over there: hereΒ .
**PS. Many PhD’s, both international and domestic, are fully funded. Unfortunately given life circumstances, and other things, programs aren’t feasible for us right now. The program at SATS is perfect for us, and I believe the Lord will provide a way for us to get this funded . . .
I’ve looked into the SATS PhD before. May actually give it another serious look next year.
That would be great, T.C.R we could be colleagues π .
Bobby, I don’t see the problem.
I hear ministries all of the time drumming up support….nah, that’s for another comment. But there are many New Testament examples of people requesting supply help.
“You have not because you ask not, and when you do ask, it is to consume it upon your own lusts”. Are you intending to consume it on lusts? I doubt it!
So, all you can do is put it out there. If it is the Lord’s will, then it will, if not, then something else. So the commenter was not moved by your need. A simple, “sorry, wrong number” would have sufficed, or better still, silence.
Go for it Bobby! I’m still praying for you and your desire to do this.
Hey Duane,
Thanks for the good word. This is my sense, as well. My desire is to teach, to use the gifts the Lord has given me in this way. Unfortunately, but fortunately (I think dedicated study is a good thing) getting a PhD — often — is the way it works in the area that I would like to teach.
I agree, if the Lord wants it to happen it will . . . no sweat π ! I didn’t think throwing this out here would hurt, I’m glad you agree.