Tim Scheuers

Rev. Dr. Timothy Scheuers (class of 2013) graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary in the spring of 2021 with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. His degree represents seven years of hard work and dedication, making it the most challenging academic journey of his life. To earn his Ph.D., he passed written examinations in three research languages, completed 73 upper-level units through seminars and directed readings, wrote four comprehensive examinations, and successfully defended a scholarly dissertation based on research in his major concentration. His dissertation focused on the contentious relationship between oaths, vows, and confessional subscription in Calvin’s reform, highlighting the importance of protecting the individual conscience while bringing a new take on Christian freedom to Reformed communities.

His research is scheduled to be published by Oxford University Press in August under the title Consciences and the Reformation: Scruples over Oaths and Confessions in the Era of Calvin and His Contemporaries. His Ph.D. studies have honed his study skills, sharpened his ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way, and instilled an even greater appreciation for and commitment to the Reformed confessional tradition. He gained a keener sense of how Calvin and his pastoral colleagues dealt firmly yet sympathetically with weak and troubled consciences. Tim hopes to emulate their pastoral patience in his own ministry.

Tim is relieved and grateful to the Lord for allowing him to fulfill the strict requirements for his degree, all while juggling the joyful responsibilities of full-time ministry and family life. He comments: “Genuine thanks belong to my family, our congregation, and the faculty of MidAmerica for supporting me during this journey. May God be glorified through this accomplishment, and may it serve to promote the glory of His church.”

Rev. Scheuers is the Associate Pastor of First United Reformed Church of Chino, CA, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of History at Providence Christian College (Pasadena, CA). He occasionally serves Mid-America Reformed Seminary as a visiting professor of Dogmatics.