Dr. Burggraff was saved at the age of 21. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1975. In 1980, he was a part of the first graduating class of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree. 

Following graduation, he planted and pastored the Faith Baptist Church of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, until 1987. For the next three years he served as Pastor of the Grace Baptist Church of Owatonna, Minnesota. In 1988, he earned a Master of Theology degree from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. While serving as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church, he taught at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis.

Upon being invited to join the faculty of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989, Dr. Burggraff began work toward a doctorate in theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. In 1991, with his doctoral courses completed, he returned to Lansdale to serve as the Dean and Professor of Theology. He was honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 1998. He was awarded a PhD in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2000.

Dr. Burggraff assumed the responsibilities of the presidency of Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary from 2001 until January, 2006. In 2006, he joined the administration of Clearwater Christian College where he served as Vice President for Spiritual Formation and Ministry Development, and Professor of Theology.

Dr. Burggraff has an extensive speaking ministry at conferences and retreats both nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Lucy, also frequently minister at couples’ retreats.

In the summer of 2009, Dr. Burggraff became the first Chaplain of Shepherds. He teaches in the areas of Systematic Theology and Expository Preaching, and he serves as the Doctor of Ministry Program Director. Additionally, Dr. Burggraff serves as Vice President of Spiritual Formation and Ministry Development at Shepherds.

The Burggraffs have three sons, Philip (wife Tia, daughters Hallie and Emily), Andrew (wife Delecia, sons Andrew, Aaron, Brody, Tanner and daughter Anna) and Nathan (wife Diana, sons Adam, Jonathan, Charlie, Titus and Harvey).

Theological Methodology
Patristics (particularly Augustine)
Dispensationalism
Bible Exposition