His youngest son, Connor, earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in Pastoral Ministries in 2017 and took advantage of NCU\u2019s 4+1 program<\/a> to earn his Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership<\/a> (MASL) just one year later.<\/p>\n John started his MASL coursework in 2015, shortly after the degree was introduced. He was taking one course at a time\u2014a pace he could manage with his work as a full-time pastor\u2014when his son\u2019s aspirations stepped in and challenged him to change the pace.<\/p>\n \u201cConnor and I had individual desire for training,\u201d John explained, \u201cand discovered our paths were overlapping enough we could try to finish at the same time. So I went a little faster than I thought I would. [My wife] Diane sacrificed time so that would be possible.\u201d<\/p>\n The 4+1 track for Connor proved to be a challenge, as well, and at one point wasn\u2019t sure he could pull it off. \u201cDoing my thesis and audit in the same semester was more work,\u201d Connor said. Both mentioned that being competitive is a family trait, and Connor said the thought of his dad finishing first kept him going through the rough spots.<\/p>\n While the pair admitted a friendly competition, it was actually the encouragement they offered each other that made the real difference. And to say they are proud of one another would be an understatement.<\/p>\n \u201cHe never quits,\u201d John said of his son. \u201cHe never deviates from the path that God has spoken into his heart.\u201d<\/p>\n Connor readily reflects back the admiration. \u201cEven as he gets older he continues to want to grow and learn and prepare for his new role\u2014even though he had no idea that was what he was doing until a month ago.\u201d<\/p>\n John affirmed this and said, \u201cI don\u2019t think I would have been prepared without [the degree].\u201d<\/p>\n Both men are excited about what they have learned and applying it to their careers and further studies.<\/p>\n Connor\u2019s thesis addressed why young adults are leaving the church and how the church can reconnect with Millennials and Generation Z. He plans to pursue work in the non-profit world for the near term, with hopes to continue studies at the doctoral level.<\/p>\n Following a similar theme, John\u2019s thesis was about how the Assemblies of God can attract Millennials and help them fall in love with their local church. He was able to use his own church as a living laboratory and is excited about the opportunities Poplar Creek and other churches will have to apply what he learned through his study.<\/p>\n The Davises are equally enthusiastic about their experience with the MASL program.<\/p>\n \u201cThe degree is worth the time and effort,\u201d Connor said enthusiastically, \u201cespecially if you do the 4+1 program so you can have your master\u2019s degree just one year out of college. It\u2019s applicable to every walk or career, whether you do ministry, business, or missions\u2014it all applies.\u201d<\/p>\n The elder Davis appreciated how at this stage of his career he was stretched. \u201cI was challenged to creative and independent thinking that did not rely on what others had to say but caused me to formulate my own opinions and conclusions based on studying and research.\u201d<\/p>\nQuickening the pace<\/h2>\n
Applying studies to real life<\/h2>\n
Crossing the finish line<\/h2>\n
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