Makayla Payne is in her last year studying as a Master of Divinity student at TEDS. During her time at TEDS, she has served in the Henry Center, participated in Mosaic, and interned at Church of the Redeemer. In light of Women’s History Month, Payne shares the impact of Dr. Dana Harris on her life.
Coming to TEDS, I was excited to deepen my faith through pursuing the MDiv and building strong relationships with my professors. Dr. Harris has both influenced my time at Trinity as a student and as her graduate assistant.
Being her GA, I had an insider view to experience her passion and clarity for teaching Greek both inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Harris has given me a greater love for the original language of the New Testament. She naturally takes technical theological ideas and shares them in a way that is pastorally relevant for church ministry. Her love for Christ and his church comes through everything she does—whether it’s in the classroom, Mosaic, or her local church.
“She has shown me what it looks like to be a woman who is both faithfully and mindfully caring for the Word of God.”
As a woman in the church, it has been powerful for me to observe Dr. Harris in leadership. Her obedience to God’s call has helped me imagine possibilities for my own calling both in academia and the church. As the first female New Testament professor at TEDS, she has courageously paved the way for countless other women to follow in her footsteps. She has shown me what it looks like to be a woman who is both faithfully and mindfully caring for the Word of God.
Learn more:
MASTER OF DIVINITY