Grace in Action

A Relentless Pursuit of Theological Education

When Dinah Byrd decided to pursue her theological education at Grace School of Theology, she knew it would not be a walk in the park for her. At 57 years old, she found it difficult to use today’s technology. There was also the challenge of dividing time among family, ministry, and full-time work. Nonetheless, Dinah is always eager to learn, and she doesn’t consider her current situation as a hurdle that could hinder her studies. She is relentless in her approach to learning.

Grace in Action

A Relentless Pursuit of Theological Education

When Dinah Byrd decided to pursue her theological education at Grace School of Theology, she knew it would not be a walk in the park for her. At 57 years old, she found it difficult to use today’s technology. There was also the challenge of dividing time among family, ministry, and full-time work. Nonetheless, Dinah is always eager to learn, and she doesn’t consider her current situation as a hurdle that could hinder her studies. She is relentless in her approach to learning.

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I thank God for sending me to Grace. It has been a great experience for me. I have grown so much, and I have learned more about God!

“After completing my first degree, I wanted to keep going. I had confidence in college, and I know it was because I was under great professors.”

Dinah finished her Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (AABS) at Grace. Now, she is taking her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (BABS). In her studies, it helped a lot that she received lots of encouragement and support from her Grace family. Her sister in Christ and mentor (who also studies at Grace) kept her grounded and focused. The professors at Grace also set goals for her and pushed her to accomplish them.

“Dr. Mark Cancel and Dr. Mark Haywood had high expectations from me, but they also showed me grace and encouraged me to press through all of my adversities, and I thank God for such great professors!”

Dinah also learned a lot from the Doctrine classes offered at Grace. She was able to understand God more and answer some tough questions she had in theology. Dinah also learned to write research papers through her Research Writing classes. She respects her professors for being subject matter experts in their areas of study. And she appreciates them sharing necessary knowledge and skills with her and helping her overcome challenges she had experienced as a student.

“Grace showed lenience when there was sickness. If problems arose, I could always talk to my professors, and they would always show me grace.”

Some of the classes that made the most impact on Dinah include the Black Church Studies courses. It has been instrumental in bringing her church history to light and explaining why many things happened in black churches.

“It made me feel a sense of pride of who we are as black people in our church and our culture.”

Dinah also learned a lot from the Doctrine classes offered at Grace. She was able to understand God more and answer some tough questions she had in theology. Dinah also learned to write research papers through her Research Writing classes. She respects her professors for being subject matter experts in their areas of study. And she appreciates them sharing necessary knowledge and skills with her and helping her overcome challenges she had experienced as a student.

“Grace showed lenience when there was sickness. If problems arose, I could always talk to my professors, and they would always show me grace.”

For Dinah, the people at Grace made her student experience a great one. And despite the obstacles, she kept pushing forward to finish her degree and keep growing in her knowledge of God. Encouragement from her church family and leaders also fueled her desire to continue schooling and explore new courses.

If there is one word Dinah could describe her experience at Grace, it is “miraculous.” She learned a lot of things she never thought she would and had many occasions to cherish forever.

“I know God has a plan for my life, and I can’t wait to see where He will lead me!”

Let nothing hinder you from pursuing your theological education. Grace offers tuition fees that are cheaper compared to other accredited seminaries. We aim to make getting a degree attainable for everyone. Visit our website today to learn more.