Well, it took a few years, but I now have my first master's degree. On February 14, Liberty Theological Seminary awarded me a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. I told the congregation at Sligo Baptist Church (where I pastor) that this degree means that I'm now "smart." I don't believe they are convinced of that. Of course, neither is my wife.
What does having a master's degree mean? Well, frankly, I'm not sure. I don't feel any different from before receiving the degree. And come to think of it, I've only been electronically notified of the degree. I don't yet actually have a framed diploma. Probably a consequence of being a distance-learning student.
Maybe that's the ticket! Get a framed diploma on the wall. THEN...the feelings of smartness and scholarly accomplishment will kick in. Okay....maybe not.
In all seriousness, I have nothing but praise for Liberty Theological Seminary. The distance learning program is fully accredited - and it's not for slackers. You have to be committed to get through it. I know, because I've dropped a few classes due to a lack of commitment. You can't just skate through it. You don't just fill out a workbook, send it in, and get credit for it. Liberty's DLP is the real thing.
So, thanks to all my professors and fellow students - and thank you to my wife and kids for their patience and support.