In March 2018, the Seminary announced the creation of a new scholarship program for full-time in-residence Master of Divinity students with backgrounds in student ministry, our RUF & Student Ministry Fellows Awards Program. Since the launch of the program, students from a range of college ministries – including Cru, InterVarsity, and church-based outreaches – have benefited from the program. This fall, M. Dale Hagwood began his studies with us, having graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he was actively involved in the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) chapter on campus.
Why did you choose Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary?
I chose Greenville Seminary because I appreciate the Seminary’s stance on and commitment to the Westminster Standards. Not to disparage other seminaries I was considering, but Greenville Seminary stood out as an option because of its strong emphasis on historic Presbyterian and Reformed theology. This was important to me because I do not have a strong theological background and I wanted to study under a faculty committed to sound doctrine.
Have you been surprised by any aspect of your experience as a student so far?
I understood quite clearly from the beginning that seminary was going to be very difficult in many ways – it is a Master’s program, after all. But one of the things that I have found most surprising was that though Greenville Seminary is known for its strong convictions to the Westminster Standards, I have found among the faculty and the student body some of the most winsome, kind-hearted, and gracious men I have ever known.
I have found among the faculty and the student body some of the most winsome, kind-hearted, and gracious men I have ever known.
What kinds of opportunities have you had in the local church since arriving at Greenville Seminary?
Since I have come to Greenville Seminary, I have been blessed with a strong local church home in Roebuck Presbyterian Church (PCA), and I have been invited to serve as a ministerial intern under Dr. Richard Winston.
What has been your favorite feature of the Metro Greenville area since moving here?
The strongest feature that I have appreciated the most is the plethora of strong PCA churches committed to the inerrancy of the Scriptures, our Reformed faith, and obedience to the Great Commission.
For more information about the Seminary’s scholarship programs, please visit gpts.edu/tuition-aid or contact the Seminary at info@gpts.edu.
This article will appear in print in the Fall 2020 edition of Foundations, the newsletter of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, scheduled to arrive in recipients’ mailboxes later this month. If the content of this article appeals to you, consider making a year-end gift in any amount to help Greenville Seminary continue to equip preachers, pastors, and churchmen for Christ’s Kingdom among the nations at gpts.edu/donate. Thank you!
