John Black
Assistant Director
B.S. in Biology, Shippensburg University, 1993; M.S. in Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 1998; Th.M. in Old & New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary, Current Student.
Worked in Admissions since: December 2006
Shalom! We are excited that you are considering ministry boot camp at DTS. And I can tell you with full confidence that you will not be disappointed with your decision to attend DTS. Lord willing, I anticipate earning the Th.M. in the spring of 2009 with concentrations in the Old and New Testament Departments. Particularly, I’m fascinated with the use of the OT in the NT, ancient near eastern backgrounds, the prophetic genre of the Bible, and their relevance for our lives today. In addition to pursing this training, I have the strategic opportunity to help you, the prospective student, consider the radical life-changing decision of attending seminary. I am here as a resource for you...so fire away with the questions you have.
The DTS experience has exceeded my expectations. The Lord has blown away any and all expectation that I had prior to beginning classes. I could mention how my relationships within the Spiritual Formation ministry have impacted me. I could discuss how my relationships with the international students have broadened me. I could talk at length how the curriculum has challenged me. But I must share with you that the modeling of the Christian life by my professors has convicted me, making a deep, everlasting impact. No matter how "hi- or lo-profile" my profs have been, their wisdom, character, humility, and knowledge of the Scriptures bleed through in every one of my interactions with them.
So, what are you waiting for? The ride of your life is only an application away! Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me with your questions. May God bless you, my friend!
What are your hobbies or outside interests?
Run, hike, ski, travel, photography, draw, read, friends
What made you decide to go to DTS?
Hunger for the Lord, Prof Hendricks, my previous vocation was unfulfilling
What do you do on your day off?
Often in this order: Run, prayer hike, golf, sleep, read, movie
What are your favorite foods?
grilled salmon marinated in sesame ginger sauce, lamb + garlic, a heavily salted tender medium filet, my parents' Thanksgiving day meal, Indian food, Asian food, kalamata olives, bread with heavy Mediterranean olive oil, warm brownies with lots of vanilla ice cream, chocolate + peanut butter, chocolate + caramel, basically everything but sautéed green peppers from Spain
What is your favorite television show of all time?
Seinfeld, Star Trek: The Next Generation
What is the best part about working in the DTS admissions office?
Our team – they are friendly, helpful, and promote an encouraging, others-centered atmosphere
What is your favorite piece of literature?
The Bible. It covers many different genres of literature and it is trustworthy.
What is your favorite quote?
"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John the Baptist
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." - Jesus Christ
What is your favorite musical artist/group/genre of music?
Classical, particularly Bach's Brandenberg Concerto No. 3
What was your major in college?
Biology/Veterinary Medicine
Who is the person you admire most and why?
Jesus, the God-Man, who is the model par excellence of what it means to be human.
Who is your favorite Bible character and why?
Joseph, for his display of youthful arrogance in which we can all identify, of measureless fortitude in the face of great adversity, of conviction to seek the Lord's praise in the face of great temptation, and of the transformational grace he poured out to his brothers.
If you could have superhero powers, what would they be?
Only one is needed, for with it comes all others - Omnipotence (see Wikipedia.com)
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Israel — Jerusalem and Galilee
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