Why pursue a PhD after studying Theology?

A quest for depth

‘I never thought I would pursue a PhD’, laughs Willemijn Koivunen. Her research focuses on the experience of belonging for people with intellectual disabilities in the church. ‘Studying wasn’t always easy for me, so I thought: once I graduate, I can finally start as a pastor in a church.’ But after her master's thesis won the Anders Bäckström Prize, people kept wanting to talk to her about how they could apply her research in the church. ‘They wanted to discuss how to create space for people to be different. I loved that. It made me think: now I want to dive deeper into this topic.’

Reaching the highest level

The desire for in-depth study was also what brought Jeremiah Agbeshie from Ghana to the Protestant Theological University (PThU) to pursue a PhD. ‘In Ghana, becoming a pastor doesn’t require a lengthy academic path, but I’ve always been interested in learning more and reaching the highest level in a field’, he says. ‘I didn’t want to do it alone, because then I’d enjoy it less. A PhD opens up access to different ideas and perspectives and is incredibly detailed.’

Motivation

‘There are many different reasons why people pursue a PhD’, says Bernhard Reitsma, PThU professor and head of the Graduate School at PThU, who supervises PhD candidates. He recognizes Willemijn and Jeremiah's desire for depth. ‘That plays an important role: wanting to continue with a specific theme. People who already work and pursue a PhD alongside their job often want more depth. They want time to think more thoroughly about things. Others come because they want the title, but with that motivation alone, you won’t make it. You also need to have a genuine passion for the subject and a strong interest in what you're researching.’

Further research

Both PhD candidates do deeply enjoy their research topics. Willemijn: ‘I’m generally interested in power dynamics, where some people set the norms and others are marginalized, forced to adapt and prove themselves. I want to help amplify voices that are often not heard.’ Jeremiah is also fascinated by his research: ‘My study explores how African Christians theologically think about money and how such theology is relevant for a global theological discourse on money.’ This builds on the research he did for his master’s in Theology at the PThU. ‘My research on Ghanaian migrant churches in Amsterdam focused on transactional giving in the church: giving with the expectation of blessings. My supervisors at PThU encouraged me to explore the topic further.’

Network

This is often how PhD candidates come to the PThU, says Bernhard Reitsma: through our international contacts and our international master's program, or via the network of researchers at the university. ‘Our professors have profiles on the PThU website that can attract people. People search for a theme online and come across professors who are working on the topics they’re interested in.’ They then enrol in the Graduate School and complete the preparatory Initial Graduate School, where, over six weeks, they write a research proposal and a plan of action.

Structure

‘I like the structure of the PhD programme’, says Jeremiah. ‘In Ghana, you’re usually on your own, and no one really guides you. You don’t get the knowledge handed to you. Here, supervisors help you with weekly preparations, guide you in structuring your proposal, and there’s great interaction between PhD candidates and supervisors. In our chair group, we have monthly meetings where we share ideas and review each other's work and proposals.’ Willemijn also appreciates the contact with supervisors and fellow PhD candidates: ‘It feels like brainstorming together and coming up with ideas. Our opinions are valued in the chair group, and you also get opportunities beyond your own research. For example, I recently hosted an event for diaconal workers.’

Hopes for the future

What do the PhD candidates hope to achieve with their research? Jeremiah: ‘When I did fieldwork and talked to people in Ghana, I realised there’s a need to discuss [money and the church, ed.] with Christians because these conversations usually don’t happen. I want to help move the conversation forward.’ Willemijn also hopes to spark a discussion. ‘About what it means to be a church with people with and without disabilities. I hope churches reflect on theology, bringing together people with and without disabilities, and that they shape their vision of being a church together. I hope the conversation continues.’