PhD Application Reference Form (No Waiver)

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The PhD program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary seeks to develop practitioner-scholars in preaching and sacred rhetoric, that is, persons who practice their scholarship from a base in ministry such as the practice of preaching in a congregation. We want to train scholars who can contribute to the critical understanding of African American preaching traditions and other forms of sacred communicative expression, and who can help draw out implications for contemporary preaching and these other forms. The PhD intends to develop people with a scholarly mindset and toolkit who will (1) develop critically considered resources for the preaching ministry, (2) teach through classrooms of various sorts, in both academic and congregational contexts, (3) participate in scholarly guilds, and (4) strengthen the contributions of the pulpit and the congregation to God’s transforming of the world.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form on behalf of an applicant to the PhD program. What you tell us is only for the use of the seminary's admissions personnel and PhD Committee. The applicant had the choice to waive the right to see what you write. If the applicant did not approve the waiver, then he or she may, upon request, see your reference.

This applicant has NOT WAIVED the right to review the references submitted on his or her behalf.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Networking, Recruitment & Admissions at 317-931-2300 or admissions@cts.edu.

Please submit your reference by June 15, 2022. References received after this date will not be accepted and the applicant will not be considered for the PhD program.

Applicant First Name *

Applicant Last Name *

Applicant's Email Address *

Your Information

Your First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State/Province/Region *

Zip/Postal Code *

Phone Number *

Country *

Email Address *

Please describe how you know the applicant? *

0/500 words

Your Recommendation

Please provide your assessment of the applicant’s potential for study of African American preaching and sacred rhetoric at the PhD level. Please comment on areas in which the applicant is strong, and points at which you might have concerns. *

0/1000 words

Please provide your assessment of the potential for the applicant to contribute to the preaching ministry in the wider ecclesial community (broadly understood) as a result of completing the PhD program. Do you think the candidate has the academic potential and temperament for writing books and articles, for giving lectures, for leading conferences and workshops, and for otherwise helping other preachers strengthen their preaching or sacred rhetoric? *

0/1000 words

Please provide any other comments that might help the admissions committee make a decision.

0/1000 words

What is your summary assessment of the applicant’s potential for PhD level study? *

Highly recommend (almost unqualified recommendation)

Recommend (believe the candidate can succeed with reasonable amount of coaching)

Do not recommend (do not think the candidate has the potential to succeed)

Submit Your Reference

Please review your answers carefully. Once you submit the form, you will not be able to edit it. When you are ready, click on the submit button to send the form to Christian Theological Seminary. You will receive an email confirmation that the form has been sent. If you have any questions please email admissions@cts.edu or call 317-931-2300. Thank you.