Peter Vaughn is a B. H. Carroll 2023 Master of Arts in Theology graduate and a current PhD student with a focus on Missions. He is also a faithful Carroll donor and deeply committed to Christ. We invite you to get to know Peter!
When did you first hear about Carroll?
I was a student-aid to Dr. Siegfried Schatzmann while working on my bachelor’s degree. After graduating, I asked him about continuing my studies, and he recommended I look at B. H. Carroll. I met Dr. Bud Smith, who introduced me to the other founders and staff at the time. Their hearts for God, His people, the nations, missions, and online training (enabling students to get equipped without leaving their places of influence, work, and ministry) sealed the deal. When I left the meeting that day, I felt at home and knew that Carroll would be my family.
How has Carroll impacted your life?
There are many ways, but let me highlight three: academically, spiritually, and financially. Some of Carroll’s goals are to be integrally involved in the academic process, have incredible, essential foundational courses, and create unique learning experiences. For this reason, no two students are alike. The courses are designed to have the maximum effect to equip students for relevant ministry experiences today. Spiritually, there is a beautiful, Christ-like care for the students. The Carroll faculty and staff are sensitive to the student’s needs, growth, and well-being. They walked me through several challenges, and I felt their love and benefitted from their wisdom. Financially, Carroll has made my studies attainable. I could not find any other highly accredited seminary that offers better tuition fees. Carroll’s financial support is second to none. Another added way was that I studied here in the US and while living and ministering in South Africa and Australia, respectively.
How has Carroll impacted your ministry?
Carroll gave me a platform to get to know my field (in my case, missions) better. Talking to other Carroll students involved in different fields like pastoral ministry, counseling, and chaplaincy, they seem to share the same sentiment. Once you study at the master’s and doctoral levels, you soon discover what you do not know. However, Carroll comes alongside the student and helps fill in those gaps. They do this exceptionally well with the assistance and guidance of specialized supervisors assigned to students. This has been a tremendous blessing for me.
Do you have a favorite quote or book?
Oh wow! An impossible question to answer. But I would have to mention a few of my favorite books that profoundly influenced my life: Prayer Evangelism: How to Change the Spiritual Climate over Your Home, Neighborhood, and City (Ed Silvoso); Apologetics for the 21st Century (Louis Markos); Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (ed. Ralph Winter and Stephen Hawthorne); and Power Evangelism (John Wimber). Transforming Mission by a fellow South African, David Bosch also joins the list.
What is one interesting thing about you?
I need the smell of aviation fuel ever so often! I’ve done some flying myself and loved it, but I do settle for domestic and international flights. My favorite app is FlightRadar24.
Peter and his wife, Patty, are the founders of Training4Mission Inc., which equips ministers for missions and ministry. They are also a part of MissionzHeart, an international mission ministry that works in Thailand, Myanmar, and the Dominican Republic.