The Big Move

A Personal Update

I had a couple of podcast episodes scheduled over the last month, but the hectic, unpredictable nature of selling a house, buying a house, and planning a move interfered with both.

Happily, the new house has a dedicated space for the new pod studio. I don’t know exactly how long it will take to set up, but it won’t be long before recording resumes.

We are currently homeless, hanging out with my in-laws, and getting ready for the trek from Tennessee to Texas in a few days. We close on the new house in Abilene, TX, on July 7th. Then the new adventure begins.

This fall, I’ll be a full-time assistant professor in Abilene Christian University’s Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry. At last. It has been a long road, as roads often are. I’m grateful for every part of it and even more grateful to be starting this part of the journey.

So what does the move mean for Theology on the Way? I see two major implications. First, I will have the most regular schedule of my life. Neither mission work, doctoral studies, nor part-time local ministry and adjunct teaching allowed for a regular rhythm. Surely part of that reality was just my personality and habits. Still, I anticipate a more regular schedule going forward, which means an opportunity for a more consistent publishing schedule. A substantial benefit to my listeners and readers should accrue in this regard.

Second, for several years to come, I’ll be working to get tenure. This requires writing and other kinds of service. That impetus will result in continual reflection that will feed the Substack. Simply put, I’m moving from voluntary production to necessary production. While podcasts and Substack posts are not exactly what tenure review committees are looking for, the necessary work will give rise to content here as well. It’s the kind of pressure that I’m looking forward to, since, in my experience, it produces many secondary benefits.

In the meantime, you can look forward to various articles this summer in addition to upcoming podcast episodes. Buckle up! There are lots of good things on the way.