Detroit Catholic Central High School proudly congratulates faculty member Dr. Jon M. Zabick on the completion of his Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree in Historical Theology/Church History from Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETS), a legacy school now part of Kairos University. 

Dr. Zabick successfully defended his dissertation in June and was formally awarded his degree in July 2025. He also completed a three year program in Catholic Theology with Sacred Heart Major Seminary here in Detroit, in May, as well.

Dr. Zabick’s academic journey has been marked by deep intellectual curiosity and spiritual conviction. A retired law enforcement officer with nearly three decades of service, Dr. Zabick began seminary studies over a decade ago, initially seeking to deepen his understanding of Scripture and Christian doctrine in order to serve more effectively in adult Christian education at his longtime evangelical congregation.

His theological journey began with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University, followed by a Master of Religious Education, and ultimately a ThM in Modern and Contemporary Christian Thought. These programs laid the groundwork for his growing interest in the broader tradition of historical Christianity and eventually led him back to his roots in the Catholic Church, where he was confirmed into full communion in October 2022.

Dr. Zabick began his doctoral work in August 2020, drawn to ETS for its rigorous yet ministry-oriented ThD program. His dissertation, titled “Open Theism Before the Open Theists: Early Open Theology within Methodism’s ‘Long Nineteenth Century’ and Its Culmination in Lorenzo Dow McCabe,” explores the historical development of theological ideas surrounding divine foreknowledge, sovereignty, and human free will, particularly within the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition. His research was guided by Dr. Mark Draper (Dissertation Chair), Dr. Joseph Thomas (Internal Reader), and Dr. Gregory Boyd (External Reader).

Reflecting on his time in the program, Dr. Zabick cites the on-campus residencies in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, as some of his most cherished experiences. “Learning in person under such great scholars and building lifelong friendships with my peers was incredibly meaningful,” he said.

Since his retirement from law enforcement, Dr. Zabick has found a second vocation in education, currently serving as a theology teacher at Detroit Catholic Central, where he shares his passion for Church history and doctrine with the next generation of young men. 

While the doctoral degree marks a significant academic milestone, he remains committed to ministry through teaching. “I plan to stay at Catholic Central for the foreseeable future,” he shared. “This degree has deepened my understanding, but more importantly, it has enhanced how I serve my students and the Church.”

Dr. Zabick’s academic work is now under review for publication and has been submitted to the Digital Theological Library.

Congratulations, Dr. Zabick!