What Can You Do with Your Bible Training?
Traditional and Nontraditional Vocational Paths
Edited by Brandon C. Benziger and Adam W. Day
Afterword by Charlie Trimm and Brittany Kim
Imprint: Resource Publications
Employment in the field of biblical studies has changed significantly in recent years, and the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the resulting challenges. The purpose of this anthology is to inform and inspire evangelical students and graduates of biblical studies programs about the wide variety of training-related vocational paths they can pursue, both conventional and unconventional. The book does this by listing and categorizing twenty-five relevant pathways, sharing the stories and insights of insiders within each pathway, and calling for further creativity in putting one's biblical training to work. Each contributor shares (1) how they settled into their represented occupation, (2) the ways in which they have used their biblical training in that occupation, (3) the "joys" and "trials" of their work, and (4) advice for those who would like to follow in their footsteps. The volume stands in the tradition of several nuts-and-bolts-like resources within the guild (e.g., Nijay Gupta's Prepare, Succeed, Advance and Ben Witherington's Is There a Doctor in the House?), and it seeks to develop that tradition considerably.
Brandon C. Benziger is a PhD resident and research assistant at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a freelance editor, and an associated faculty member in the Old Testament Department at Denver Seminary. He is an editor of A Charitable Orthopathy (2020).
Adam W. Day is a missionary with WorldVenture and associate professor of New Testament language and literature at Tyndale Theological Seminary in the Netherlands. He is the author of Jesus, the Isaianic Servant (2018).
“In this book, students and graduates will find creative ideas and testimonies of gifted individuals who are now serving in a variety of contexts, including the academy, the publishing and media industries, congregational ministry, missions, parachurch ministry, and public service. The contributors present the joys and challenges of their journeys with humor, creativity, and candidness. Every chapter shows how anyone with training in biblical and related studies can find a place to share their gifts, talents, and expertise. Highly recommended reading for all.”
—Hélène M. Dallaire, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Denver Seminary
“I wish this book was published earlier! After a decade serving on the mission field, I found myself searching for the path that God had for me in using my biblical studies training. The experiences shared by individuals in this book would have been immensely helpful during that time. Their stories shed light on the joys and challenges of various ministries. Prayerfully reading through this book would have provided invaluable guidance.”
—Peter H. W. Lau, adjunct lecturer, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia
“This book is testimony to the facts that life rarely goes as planned and that that can actually be a good thing. The book’s contributors offer plenty of practical help, an expansive range of possibilities, and—maybe best of all—profound hope for the future of biblical studies students. I wish I had this book when I started down my postgraduate career path.”
—Wendy Widder, author of Every Road Goes Somewhere
“Unfortunately, few American students who do a PhD these days also do an MDiv degree or become ordained clergy. This leaves many of them thinking their only option is to teach, often at a level well below their training. But is there any practical guide to help them find alternative employment after years of education? Thankfully, that question can now be answered yes—Benziger and Day provide copious descriptions of opportunities that most students (master’s and bachelor’s students included) will not have thought about as they pursue their calling. I’m very glad indeed to see this book now available.”
—Ben Witherington III, professor of New Testament for doctoral studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
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