Steve Prost: A Military Chaplain Undertakes a PhD at TEDS
Jan 31, 2025
Director of the PhD (Intercultural Studies), Associate Professor of Anthropology and Intercultural Studies
Dr. Manuel Rauchholz earned the DPhil. from the University of Heidelberg, in cultural anthropology, and the Th.M. in missions and evangelism from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He studied protestant theology at Krelingen, Heidelberg and Tübingen before completing university studies at Heidelberg, Germany. Dr. Rauchholz’s research and publications have been primarily in cultural anthropology in the study of kinship and exchange, migration, legal anthropology and on ethical topics such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, human rights, economic development and the environment.
In 2011, he received the prestigious Frobenius Research Award for his dissertation, titled: “Towards an Understanding of Adoption, Person and Emotion: The Ideal Norm and Reality of Life amongst the Chuukese of Micronesia.” Since 2010, Dr. Rauchholz has developed and managed multiple research, educational and community development projects in excess of $2.5 million. Granting institutions include the US Department of State through the National District Attorney’s Association in Washington D.C., the University of Heidelberg, the EU in conjunction with the University of St. Andrews, and most recently the US Department of the Interior through the Chuuk State Department of Education, Federated States of Micronesia.
Dr. Rauchholz’s academic teaching experience is extensive including four years as researcher and lecturer at the Institute of Anthropology, University of Heidelberg where he also mentored masters’ theses and research projects. He has taught as adjunct professor at numerous institutions teaching Social Science Research Methods at Internationale Hochschule Liebenzell (IHL) in Germany, Anthropology and Missions at Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, and Anthropology at the University of Guam.
Dr. Rauchholz was raised and educated in Micronesia, the USA, Japan and in Germany. He is married to Dr. Mihamm Kim-Rauchholz, a native of South Korea and professor of New Testament in Germany. Together they have three daughters.
University of Tübingen
ThM, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
PhD, Heidelberg University
Develop the ministry and research skills of leaders involved in a wide variety of missional, cross-cultural, and educational ministries. Focus is upon deepening our understanding of human diversity, contextual realities, and cultural change in ways that inform redemptive, gospel-centered ministry in the contemporary world.
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.
By studying the theology and history of evangelism and missions around the world you will gain a strong foundation of anthropology, discipleship practices and practical evangelism methods which will enrich your ministry abilities both in the United States and around the world. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their ministry capabilities, both in the United States and internationally. Through an exploration of theological foundations and historical precedents, you can develop a strong foundation that empowers them to engage in meaningful cross-cultural interactions and effectively share the message of their faith, making a positive impact in diverse communities globally.
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