What's the primary argument of your book?

Most approaches to liturgical theology are anthropocentric: the study of liturgy is primarily focused on what we, the worshipers, do. Thomas F. Torrance and James B. Torrance offer a trinitarian and christocentric approach. This informs not only the "why" of worship and not simply the "what" or "how" of worship, but centers on the One whom we worship. Most significantly, it fully recognizes the key role of the humanity of Christ as the ascended High Priest who alone offers the perfect worship and through whom alone we are enabled by the Spirit to worship God.

What led you to study this subject?

In the 1990s, I was a Doctor of Ministry student at Fuller Seminary. I discovered an article by James Torrance entitled “The Place of Jesus Christ in Worship” in Ray Anderson’s Theological Foundations for Ministry. This one article turned my theological world upside down regarding the subject of worship. Twelve years later I found myself in Manchester pursuing a PhD on the doxological theology of T.F. and J.B. Torrance.

How does your book contribute to the field?

My work was the first comprehensive theology of worship within the Torrance tradition.

What does it mean to you to be a scholar in the Wesleyan tradition?

While my thesis was not specifically within the Wesleyan tradition, many in the Wesleyan tradition have had a great appreciation for the Torrances including Geoffrey Wainwright, Elmer Colyer, Dick Eugenio, Jerome Van Kuiken, Travis M. Stevick, and of course, my supervisor, Thomas A. Noble. Dr. Noble was the primary reason I ended up at NTC for my research. Furthermore, two of the more popular books by the Torrances came about as the result of the Didsbury Lectures: The Mediation of Christ by T.F. Torrance and Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace by James B. Torrance. For those unfamiliar with the Didsbury Lectures, these annual lectures take place at the Nazarene Theological College in Didsbury/Manchester, England.

How do you see your scholarly work as part of your ministry?

Dallas Willard was fond of saying, “We live at the mercy of our ideas.” Solitude, silence, spiritual reading, academic research, thinking, pondering, praying and writing are all important spiritual practices for me. My scholarly work has helped me cultivate critical thinking skills and hold important ideas with godly reverence.

What are some of the differences between writing a doctoral thesis and writing a scholarly monograph?

To turn your thesis into a book, consider the following:

1. Focus on marketability of your work (book) vs. arguing about originality (thesis).

2. Focus on introductions, conclusions, and transitions within each chapter. Refine the flow for readability.

3. Be prepared to change the British spelling to American spelling if an American publisher accepts you.

4. Be prepared to adjust the style of the front end matter, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices.

5. Overall, just plan to do several re-writes all over again. No, you are not starting over. You are turning a PhD thesis into a book. This process is normal.

Did you find new evidence or learn new information while rewriting?

Of course. No one has all of the information they need before writing a thesis. Start writing as soon as possible. “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips.” Dawson Trotman.

What made NTC and Manchester ideal places to undertake your doctoral studies?

I came to NTC because of Thomas A. Noble. But what I didn’t know about was the wonderful community at NTC. I was blessed by the collegiality, the hospitality of the other faculty and staff, and the overall Christian community at NTC. Having access to the University of Manchester (especially the John Rylands) was an added benefit.

What are some other projects in progress or ones you're looking forward to post-publication?

I’m working on revisions of my first two books published by Baker Books. I’m also considering a second edition of my published thesis with Pickwick/Wipf and Stock. I would also like to transcribe some of the audio lectures of James Torrance, edit, and publish. Finally, I am working on some writing projects related to spiritual formation and soul care.

What advice do you have for recent doctoral graduates who want to publish their theses?

Ask the following questions:

1. Who is publishing books related to your thesis?

2. When you find that publisher, find and follow their submission guidelines for a thesis proposal.

3. Connect with acquisition editors at conferences or related events. These relationships are critical. I was talking to my editor several years before I graduated. It is never too late to reach out, introduce yourself, and share about your work.

4. Be tenacious yet courteous. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking (Matthew 7:7-8). While this verse is in reference to prayer, the same principle of tenacity is important for getting published.

5. Finally, don't get discouraged. Just keep on keeping on.