One of Lancaster Bible College’s four doctoral programs is the PhD in Biblical Studies, an educational journey that does much more than simply add two letters to the beginning of a graduate’s name. Rather, the program transforms the way students understand the Bible and do ministry.

Led by Dr. Mark Meyer (’93), this terminal research doctorate equips students to become biblical scholars – gaining deep insights into the Word of God as they expand their mastery of the original languages of the Bible, the cultural backgrounds of the Bible, the significance of the intertestamental period, the history of hermeneutical frameworks and the theological developments from the early Church to the present.

What sets LBC’s PhD in Biblical Studies apart from the rest? Take it from these current scholars!

Philip Theis (’88 & ’19) already has two degrees from LBC – a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. Retired from an IT career, Theis is now a snowbird pastor preaching every December through March in Florida where he resides during the winter months. For the other eight months of the year, he lives relatively close to LBC’s campus in Lancaster, Pa., where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater.

Likewise, Benjamin Gray (’03 & ’13) also earned two previous degrees with LBC – his undergraduate degree through Washington Bible College before the two schools merged and a Master of Divinity degree. A government contractor, Gray shared that he has been blessed to serve God in his daily walk at work and be afforded the opportunity to lead a Bible study.

“I preach at several churches when the opportunity arises,” Gray added. “It has been a blessing to share a word of comfort to the homeless population as well as visit nursing home to provide hope and renewed faith in the downtrodden and ignored people of God. To see renewed hope and life in humanity is all the reward that I seek.”

Check out a few answers from the future Drs. Theis and Gray about this rigorous and impactful doctoral program at LBC…

Q: How has LBC’s PhD in Biblical Studies impacted your work and/or ministry?

Philip Theis’ cohort began the doctoral journey at LBC together in 2020. Pictured here is a residency gathering from 2022.

PHILIP THEIS: “This has been one of the most impactful events of my life. I have learned so much … My current ministry is all about what I have learned in this program.”

BENJAMIN GRAY: “Participating in the PhD in Biblical Studies has been instrumental in my daily life. The experiential knowledge achieved by studying the ‘Word’ of God has been transformative in my daily walk with the Lord. I am now equipped to boldly preach, teach and share the gospel at work, in the open market, church, with family and friends, etc. Being properly equipped to serve the living Lord is a dream come true.”

Q: Describe how your LBC professors have served as educators and mentors.

THEIS: “The professors in this program are the most top-notch teachers in the whole Biblical Studies field. They are wonderful and caring and so very knowledgeable and helpful.”

GRAY: “The LBC professors have poured into my spirit with their life’s experience, educational knowledge, prayers, mentorship and continuous motivation to stay on the frontline has keep my feet on the right path. Truly, without these God-fearing professors, I would have abandoned my calling to serve the Lord long ago.”

Q: A doctorate degree is the pinnacle of learning. Tell us how you have combined intensive studies with a healthy life balance.

A PhD in Biblical Studies group of LBC students gathers at a recent Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting. Program Director Dr. Mark Meyer, center in blue.

THEIS: “I just discipline myself to get the work done.”

GRAY: “Family support is everything when enrolled in the PhD program. The program is very demanding, but you will need family support and friends to keep you motivated to complete the PhD journey. I can only think that the hand of God is at work and carrying me forward for his glory. There is no separation of night and day when it comes to studying, we simply try to stay focusws and let the Lord take the lead. I have learned to get at least one, maybe two nights of proper sleep each week. Eating a proper diet with some exercise is crucial. But most importantly, doing ministry has been my go-to for staying healthy.”

Q: How has the academic rigor of the PhD in Biblical Studies program challenged and refined your approach to Scripture, research and theological scholarship?

THEIS: “It has made my approach to Scripture so very meaningful. I am able to research and find answers for life’s questions today.”

GRAY: “In one short word, ‘confident.’ The sense of completion and just knowing that you have been properly equipped to research, preach sound doctrine and love the Word of God is rich. Serving the living God is simply gratifying.”

Q: With both self-paced online studies and in-person residencies, how have you experienced authentic community throughout your doctoral journey?

THEIS: “We travel the path together. It is the only way to go.”

GRAY: “I did love sitting in class and hearing the various opinions of the professors and cohorts. This practice has been a blessing and honor. The self-pace online aspect is allowing me to fulfill my dream of becoming a PhD, while working full time, being a husband and father, while being a servant of God.”

Q: Why did you pursue a doctorate and why did you choose Lancaster Bible College?

THEIS: “I chose the doctorate to be able to dig deeper into the Word. I chose LBC because I have my other two degrees from [the college].”

GRAY: “I chose to pursue a higher education because I was not being fed in church. I was receiving milk, not biblical meat for my soul. Lancaster Bible College and I chose each other as I had a strong desire to be fed the full gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Q: What does “Experience Different” at LBC mean to you? 

GRAY: “The difference is assurance and trust to know that the primary focus of LBC is to be God-centered. You can feel the shift in the atmosphere as you enter the campus or classroom. The Spirit of God is there!”

FURTHER READING: PhD in Biblical Studies graduate Dr. Richard “Beau” Floyd traveled on his doctoral journey from the military to Lancaster Bible College. READ HIS STORY…