Practical Theology

Men of Courage Boldly Walking in Faith

"Hearing the Fire, Living the Word"

About Me

Credentials

Ed.S - Educational Specialist
MPA - Master of Public Administration
MBA - Master of Business Administration
BA - Bachelor of Arts
US Army Command & General Staff College

Hello, I am Joseph "Joe" Frazier. Not the boxer but the other guy! I am a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professional with experience as a mediator in the federal government and the Virginia Court System.

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Military Service

Veteran of both the US Army and Marine Corps. Served as a paratrooper and commanded an organization of over 300 paratroopers while managing a $5 million budget (not bad for a guy from North Philly).

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Inspector General

Conducted inspections and investigated waste, fraud, and abuse of government resources across personnel, logistics, and intelligence oversight.

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Department of the Navy

Worked as a diversity, equity, and inclusion manager for an organization designing nuclear weapons for submarine deployment. Worked with real rocket scientists!

Career Achievements

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Diversity Council

Established a diversity and inclusion council with a three-star admiral as president.

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Recruitment Program

Created programs recruiting engineers from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions.

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Disability Hiring

Incorporated programs to hire qualified individuals with disabilities (80% unemployment rate).

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Leadership Learning Series

Monthly forums with senior officials discussing career journeys, bridging gaps between leadership and personnel.

My Calling

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I am called to be a member of a Christian Education Ministry. I have always had a passion for teaching, whether in the military, as a substitute teacher, or helping others with business plans and taxes.

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I was called to follow Christ through a dream. Surprising, as it had been over 20 years since I entered a church for any reason other than a wedding or funeral.

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I strongly feel within my heart that God has called me to ministry as an educator. I pray to use all my spiritual gifts to fulfill this responsibility, doing my level best as a Christian educator. Amen

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."

— Psalms 127:3

Practical Theology Methods

My "practical theology" is a calling that places me as a disciple of God. It requires empathetic listening—hearing every word spoken, written, or messaged with both heart and head.

As I serve God, I set aside pride and ego, placing Holy Scripture at the forefront. I am a messenger and disciple to all I meet, guided by hope, faith, and love as taught by Jesus.

"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." — 1 John 2:6

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The Descriptive Task

Little outreach exists to Black male youth in my church's neighborhood, suffering from seven decades of urban decay. The church lacks ministries to rekindle community relationships.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; I will strengthen you and help you"

— Isaiah 41:10

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The Normative Task

My church must embrace Wimberley's strategies: understanding community context, creating relevant content, and building authentic connections through outreach, tutoring, mentorship, and inclusive programs.

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The Interpretive Task

Church members no longer feel connected to the community where their elders and grandparents lived.

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The Pragmatic Task

Craft youth outreach programs through church member discipleship meeting spiritual and educational needs, fostering faith, hope, and love.

"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road"

— Deuteronomy 6:6-7

🔥 Hearing the Fire, Living the Word 🔥

The Metaphor for Seeing God and Hearing the Voice of Hope, Faith, and Love

As I embark on my travel of faith, "Practical Theology" is the burning bush in my life. I hear the flame of the fire of the Lord's voice, responding to his call to be a disciple of his scriptures.

The fire represents a Holy Place where I can be with God and listen through my mind and heart. When I hear the fire, I no longer think of myself—my ego takes a "back seat" to His Will as my soul is comforted by His love.

The warmth of the flame symbolizes His presence, as my heart is restored with faith, hope, and love. The flame shouts a blaze, telling me to serve others as Christ served me.

I pray the message continues to guide me to walk a righteous path and be his faithful disciple.

My Beliefs

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I believe Jesus is my Lord and Savior

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

— Romans 10:9

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I believe in equal rights for all people

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

— Galatians 3:28

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I believe we are all created by God

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

— Genesis 1:27

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I believe we all should love each other

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

— John 15:12

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I believe no one has the right to take a life

"You shall not murder."

— Exodus 20:13

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I believe everyone should have a friend

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

— Proverbs 17:17

Vocational Discernment

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As a new Christian, my life has changed dramatically. My faith has inspired me to learn more about God's Word and how it can help me as a teacher. Studying education theology speaks to my soul, allowing me to examine the connection between faith and learning.

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I choose to embrace Christ as my Savior, feeling a new purpose to live out my faith in every aspect of life. Education is an effective means of cultivating hearts and minds. Through Christian Education Theology, I aspire to incorporate Christian principles into my teaching.

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I'm excited to examine the moral and ethical effects of teaching through a religious lens. Education theology will help me make better moral choices in the classroom, leading with honesty and kindness as I guide students on their educational journey.

Spiritual Practices

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Prayer & Meditation

Daily communion with God through prayer and meditation keeps me spiritually grounded and connected to His purpose.

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Physical Exercise

Maintaining physical health honors the temple God has given me, keeping mind and body strong for His service.

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Family Fellowship

Fellowship with family strengthens spiritual bonds and reminds me of what matters most in maintaining spiritual grounding.

As I travel on this journey at Columbia Theological Seminary, I am reminded that my personal relationship with God and relationships with family and loved ones are most essential to maintaining my spiritual grounding.

I find joy in all three practices and am truly blessed to have awakened today with the will of the Lord to do all three. Amen