Lisa McDonald

TeleCounselor

B.A. in Religious Studies and Art, Colby College, 2002; MA/B.C., Dallas Theological Seminary, Current Student.

Worked in Admissions since: November 2004

Thanks for visiting with us! I’m in my third year in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MA/B.C.) program. As a TeleCounselor in admissions, I have the joy of talking with many prospective students. I find it very exciting to see the diverse ways God has called and gifted his people.

As you are considering further training for ministry, I’d love to get to know where your heart is. I count it as a privilege to be able to talk with you as you make these life-changing decisions. The choices you are making right now will impact more than just your life—they will also affect God’s kingdom!

Before I came to DTS, I extensively researched counseling programs across the country. The thing I love about DTS’s program is its integrated approach. The MA/B.C. program grounds you in a firm Biblical and theological worldview, while also preparing you for state licensure. This balanced approach is what makes DTS’s program stand out among all the others.

May God bless you and guide you as you seek to serve Him!

What are your hobbies or outside interests?
I like to do anything that involves multiple steps and a final project – like cooking, sewing, and painting.

What made you decide to go to DTS?
I moved from Portland, Maine to attend the Biblical Counseling program at DTS because of three reasons that I believe made DTS the best choice for training for the ministry. The first is DTS’s thorough coverage of Bible and theology in all of their programs. The second reason I chose DTS is that the seminary has a desire for the Word to impact the hearts of its students, not just their minds. The third reason I’m here is that the Biblical Counseling program is the most thorough program around.

What do you do on your day off?
If I were trying to impress you, I’d say lots of fun things. But if I were being honest, I’d have to admit that I do laundry!

What are your favorite foods?
Lobster. Blueberry pancakes. Tea with lots of milk and sugar. Wheat thins and brie cheese. Green bean casserole with crunchy onions. Fresh bread. The grilled stuffed burrito from Taco Bell. Anything that involves ice cream.

What is your favorite television show of all time?
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Smart lady from the East goes on an adventure out West!

What is the best part about working in the DTS admissions office?
The camaraderie and love in the office – not to mention Friday morning Bagel Break!

What is your favorite piece of literature?
The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

What is your favorite quote?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela

What is your favorite musical artist/group/genre of music?
Third Day is my favorite band. Christian rock and country are my favorite genres.

Who is the person you admire most and why?
I admire my Dad for being a great man – a provider for his family and a man of his word.

Who is your favorite Bible character and why?
David and the psalmists – for their total honesty of heart.

If you could have superhero powers, what would they be?
I would be able to instantly make lots of food out of thin air!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Somewhere with fickle weather patterns and steadfast Red Sox fans – like my country of origin, New England!