John Szott: A Veteran’s Path to Becoming a Pastor-Theologian
Oct 2, 2024
Before coming to TEDS in the fall of 2016, Dr. Bryan served as a missionary in Ethiopia for more than 23 years. He taught for many years at the Evangelical Theological College in Addis Ababa and also served as the first Dean of Studies of the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology for six years. From 2009–2015, he was the director of SIM Ethiopia, leading the work of over 500 ministry and support personnel from Europe, Australasia, North America, S. Africa and Ethiopia in a variety of church-planting, discipleship, leadership development and compassion ministries. Dr. Bryan was selected as part of the Ethiopian delegation to the 2010 Lausanne Congress in Cape Town, South Africa and currently serves on the Lausanne Theological Working Group – Core. He completed his PhD in historical Jesus studies at Cambridge University. His current research interests include the Gospel of John, Jesus and the Law, and cultural identity.
He and his wife, Dawn, have three young adult sons and a daughter-in-law. They enjoy walks together in the many forest preserves of Illinois and spending time with family whenever they get the chance. In his spare time, he relishes time in the garden, trout fishing, and reading about history.
BSc, Oklahoma State University
MDiv, ThM, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
PhD, Cambridge University
Jesus and Israel’s Traditions of Judgement and Restoration, Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.
John, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, forthcoming.
Cultural Identity and the Purposes of God: A Biblical Theology of Ethnicity, Nationality, and Race, Wheaton: Crossway, (2022).
“The Missing Generation: The Completion of Matthew’s Genealogy,” 29 (2019) 162-184.
“The End of Exile: The Reception of Jeremiah’s Prediction of a Seventy Year Exile,” Journal of Biblical Literature, 137 (2018) 107-126.
“Consumed by Zeal: John’s Use of Psalm 69.9 and the Action in the Temple,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, 21 (2011) 479-494.
76 CREDITS | 2.5 YEARS
If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.
90 CREDITS | 3 YEARS
Gain pastoral leadership skills through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Our MDiv degree program has the rigorous academic courses and spiritual support you need for your calling in Christian ministry or academia. Join a diverse student body and learn within the context of a broadly evangelical ethos.
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42 CREDITS | 2 YEARS
The MA/BL provides specialized study in the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek, with an option to study Aramaic) for general educational purposes. The MA/BL is academic rather than professional in focus, preparing participants in knowledge and practice for teaching or researching in Christian secondary schools, or higher education where a doctorate may not be needed; or as an intermediate step toward further study in a related area
36 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS
With a commitment to biblical literacy and practical application, the Master’s in New Testament is a specialized degree focusing on the text of the early church. This program is excellent preparation for further academic work at the graduate or doctoral level. It also can prepare you for ministry careers in teaching at some Christian secondary schools or Christian colleges.
42 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS
Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at TEDS.
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22 CREDITS | 1 YEAR
TEDS’ ThM offers discipline concentrations in each of our eight departments: Church History, Counseling, Educational Studies, Mission and Evangelism, New Testament, Old Testament, Pastoral Theology, and Systematic Theology, or specialized inter-departmental concentrations developed in consultation with the departmental faculty. The program can be completed in one year of study.
60 CREDITS | 5 YEARS
The PhD (Theological Studies) at TEDS offers an exciting, academically robust program that prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities. Alumni from the PhD (Theological Studies) have gone on to a diverse set of vocations that include academic teaching and writing and various forms of church, parachurch, and denominational leadership.
12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR
Learn to read, translate, and comprehend the New Testament scripture by reading it in its original language. Understanding the Bible in its original language will deepen your preaching, teaching, and interpretation of the New Testament and the Septuagint.
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12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR
Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible by studying the Old Testament and the New Testament history, writings, and authors. Develop a Christ-centered approach to reading, interpreting, and applying scripture faithfully through courses on theology and biblical interpretation.
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