{why} is he going to england?

That is the question so many of our friends and relatives are asking. It seems many do not understand so here are some explanations.

1. In the world of Theological Education when you are preparing to work on your Ph.D. the general recommendation and expectation is you choose your school based upon the professor you wish to study under. We have a friend who's studies are within New Testament, she choose a professor at Princeton. Michael's chosen professor he wishes to study under is Dr. Thomas Noble. Michael was under him while in seminary for his M.A. and wishes to continue this due to his speciality. Dr. Noble oversees Ph.D. students through Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, England.
2. A common sentence we hear is, "Why England? There are so many theological school here in the US." Yes there are. But many of them do not offer Ph.D.'s. Many offer a D.Min., but Michael is looking for a Ph.D. which is an academic degree not a practical ministry degree like the D.Min. When looking for a Ph.D. program and school you look for one that offeres the degree you are interested in and the professor you wish to be schooled under.
3. Cost is another answer to the question. When we researched various school we found the cost would be a bit cheaper if he attended NTC in England, even with the travel. This was not a determining factor for us, but it was something we researched.
4. The type of program was also a reason for choosing NTC. British Ph.D.s differ from the US Ph.D. in that they are solely research. Normally in a Ph.D. program you have course study classes you complete for the first two years then you write a dissertation. The British program is solely research. Michael will attend seminars while he is in England but his time will be spend reading and researching, then writing, writing, writing, and writing.

And finally the actual and most important reason of all....

GOD DIRECTED

That is the single reason and the only needed reason. Many of those same friends and relatives who have asked questions of us understand this on the surface but it still seems that many don't accept this as a valid reason.

Like much of the church, many believe in God's will and wish and want God's prefect will in their lives but when we are asked to step out and do something a little crazy or something hard or something that cost us something we question it. We just aren't sure it's God's will. And when we do, do something kinda crazy, something hard, or something that cost us something others question us - which is what we (Michael and I) have been experience with the plan for Michael to attending school in England for 5 months then via distance and a few trips back and forth. 

So - hopefully this answers some of your questions  But more importantly, you understand this is God Directed! And if and when He changes His mind or re-directs - he will do just that, re-direct. He will direct us again and make a course correction. And we trust Him enough to believe He will.