Matthew L. Tinkham, Jr.
the journey and reflections of a passionate pastor-teacher
"... his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9 NIV).
"I charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, ... preach the word!"
(II Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)
My Goals
Academic Goals
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Acquire a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion (PhD) degree with an emphasis in Theological Studies (systematic theology and ethics) from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, to be better equipped for full-time gospel ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church so that I can deepen my own, as well as others', relationship with Jesus Christ, help others deconstruct incorrect worldviews and replace them with that of Scripture, inspire others to have a profound love for Scripture and the beautiful teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and contribute theologically to the worldwide church and beyond through theological research shared in the form of books, articles, sermons, presentations, and seminars.
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I am also considering a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) degree to be more thoroughly equipped for ministering to the spiritual, social, emotional, and psychological needs of married couples, those seeking to get married, parents, and children.
Professional Goals
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Publish a book.
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Conduct an in-depth study of the nature and function of the Trinity in Scripture with a particular focus on intra-Trinitarian relationships using the canonical-theological method developed by John C. Peckham, PhD, in Canonical Theology: The Biblical Canon, Sola Scriptura, and Theological Method (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2016).
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Research the development of the Trinity doctrine in the Seventh-day Adventist Church including the divinity and personhood of each Person—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the nature of their intrarelationships to one another.
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Develop a seminar(s) on the doctrine of the Trinity that can be shared with lay audiences and other pastors to encourage an "orthodox" biblical understanding of the triune nature of the Godhead.
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Develop a seminar(s) on the doctrine of salvation (i.e., soteriology) that can be shared with lay audiences and other pastors to encourage an "orthodox" biblical understanding of the Trinity's eternal plan of covenantal redemption.