Dan Shipes

Valdosta State University (GA)

BA Philosophy

 

Covenant Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity

 

I am married to Robyn, my lovely wife of 13 years.  We have a daughter, Julia, who is in the 6th grade, and a son, Jackson, who is in the 4th grade.

One of my favorite childhood memories was my 10th birthday.  I had heard the idea of a "surprise birthday party" on TV, and it sounded like a good idea, so I requested one.  My parents did not disappoint.

 

My favorite courses to teach are Ethics and Apologetics.  I enjoy teaching Ethics because this course transitions away from Bible content and focuses on Practical Theology (how a Christian should engage the world around them).  We address many different ethical scenarios in the class, and students have to learn how to express themselves and to listen to and amicably disagree with others.  I enjoy teaching Apologetics to seniors because they are being equipped to leave SRCS and engage the students and culture of their college campuses and work environment.  This class equips them to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)."

 

The aspect of SRCS I enjoy most is the daily interaction with students.  We educate, but in the process we also build relationships that extend beyond graduation.  We become counsel for them in their college years and supporters throughout their lives -- often getting to celebrate their weddings and the birth of their children.  We only have them for a short time at SRCS, but God allows us to build lifetime relationships for His Kingdom.

 

A memorable adventure I have experienced was a trip to Belize where we spent 4 days hiking, biking, rafting, climbing through the interior of Belize, and exploring Mayan ruins.  We spent 4 more days on a private island where we snorkeled, sea and surf kayaked, and explored Glover's Reef.  We spear-fished for food daily, and I was attacked by a spider monkey!  While I was on the trip, my airline went bankrupt.  Now my flight wasn't simply cancelled; my airline actually went bankrupt.  It was 3 days before Christmas, and I spent 2 days in the airport looking for a flight home.

 

A favorite quote is from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas:  “Life is a storm, my young friend.  You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next.  What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.  You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine!”

 

Little known facts about me are that I've run a marathon, completed a Half-Ironman Triathlon (70.3 miles), and collect antiques.