Seminary Education...

What is a seminary education for? What is to be expected? What is to be tolerated?

It may seem that it is entirely too early for me to be asking these questions, or perhaps entirely too late. The other night at the supper table I found myself engrossed in a conversation on the nature of seminary education versus other types of higher education. The conversation was multi-faceted since seminary tends to draw a wide range of people with a wide range of goals. Since my only experience has been here at Gordon-Conwell, and farely limited at that, what I say should be taken with a grain of salt (or perhaps an entire handful.)

What is a seminary education for?
Historically, it can be argued, that seminary is to train those (primarily men) who are called into a pastoral ministry. Originally there were no distinctions between teachers and pastors - the term "theologian" encompassed both professions without separation. There has, however, been a split in terms of those called into a more professional ministry and those called into a more academic ministry. This split is to a point now that different degrees can be pursued in light of those interests and callings.

As many of you know, I do not find myself called into a professional or pastoral ministry. That is not to say I do not believe my calling is also a ministry. It is. I just have taken an interest in the academic side of studying theology. Therefore, my goals for my seminary education differ greatly from someone who is here to be a pastor or a counselor, etc. Yet, here we are together. We have both been brought to Gordon-Conwell. How is one institution supposed to accommodate the goals of diverse people.

During the conversation it became apparent that each person found something lacking in the seminary. Some thought the curriculum wasn't challenging enough. They, like me, had previously studied theology and was hoping to prepare for doctoral work. For them, seminary was a graduate school in their chosen field. It was supposed to bring them to the next level of scholarship and prepare them for the journey ahead - the journey toward Athens and the University. Others at the table found Gordon-Conwell too academic. They felt students worried too much about studies and not enough about spiritual formation and practical application. They were there in order to build their relationship with God and to learn to be a guide for others in the same process. How does one school accommodate such diversity? Who has a more valid claim?

It was mentioned that those students who were in the Master of Arts programs are much fewer in number than the other programs here, therefore they should be the ones to compromise. Furthermore, if they want a more challenging education, they should take it into their own hands. This is certainly true, but how much of the learning should be placed on the students' shoulders? Are we not paying in order to learn from the great scholars and professors, and not from their books? I can read David Wells in South Dakota just as well as I can here - but I cannot take a class from him and interact with him if I am at home.

I do appreciate the struggle it must be for professors who must teach people who are fairly new to the faith at the same time as those who are well on their way to being labeled theologians in their own right. While I want to be a professor - I am not sure I envy that task. At least not in a seminary setting. Discussions on theology, while invigorating - can be quite controlled here. There are no dissenting voices that demand clarifications on doctrine, etc. I hope that if I do become a professor - I may teach undergrads. Seminary is too focused on forming one certain type of person that believes in X,Y,Z. It sets itself apart against other schools of faith, rather than against the secular culture at large. (I hope that I am wrong in that regard, but feel that I could very easily be right.)

That is enough of my rambling for tonight. As you can probably guess - I have homework that I desperately need to do and have no ambition to do it.

A City Upon a Hill

For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. -John Winthrop
Although these words were said about Boston
I sometimes feel as though Gordon Conwell takes on the spirit of John Winthrop. Our campus is located on a giant hill and our students are being trained to be great leaders of the church. Throughout our lives people will look to us to be the example - the guiding light towards Christ. Is that a lot of responsibility? Of course. But I feel that those who are here feel called to be here. Called out for a purpose - to help others in their walk of faith and loving obedience to God.

Today I saw those immortal words of John Winthrop in Boston etched in stone. The English was rough but the passion with which he communicated through those words seemed to spark something within me. Boston was for him a new beginning. Would it be the same for me? Would this be the place where I committed my life yet again over to the author of it?

I pondered this question as my friend Anna and I roamed the streets of Boston. We were in town to go to the famous Park Street Church. I had heard about the church from friend and had wanted to go there. It is a large church, but I enjoyed the service. After that, Anna and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and soaked in the sights and sounds of Boston.

The Value of Optimism

Some days are stressful. The stress-filled moments of our lives seem to cluster into certain days where one can appreciate the pessimistic outlook on life. Yesterday was a day like that. I hope that it is clear that my life and emotions are not as dramatic as I make them out to be. If one were to ask my mother - she might argue that I do believe my life to be dramatic. What is important is that those episodes never last long and in a short matter of time I am able to reflect and gain from the experience.

You may be wondering what was the cause of my stress. The cause of my stress is the cause of most stress in the world, I would speculate: money (or the lack thereof). I love school. School is expensive. the end.

So nothing is better than a renewed sense of optimism after a day of stress. Today I regained my excitement for school and even got enough ambition to walk around the campus where I live. It is truly beautiful here and the leaves haven't even begun to change color. On my walk I saw rocks, hills, trees, a pond, horses, a tennis court (behind some trees on someone else's property...ugh), and people. Instead of trying to describe to you how beautiful it is - I'll show you with some pictures. I hope you enjoy beautiful GCTS!

Rockport

I just wanted to post this picture taken at Rockport yesterday. This place is as scenic as it gets!
The girls are from left to right: Natalie (Nashville, TN), Kate (NH), Shanee (GA), and me. Just so you know, we are blocking that cute little sailboat I am convinced I could sail.

As Classes Begin...

May I just begin?

That was the thought going through my head last weekend as I waited for class to begin. I have officially been to all of my classes at least once. I think they will all be interesting and challenging both spiritually and academically. GCTS is a non-denominational school with a strong tendency toward Reformed theology. At least, that is what I have encountered as my first impression of my theology classes. This presents some unique opportunities and challenges for me, a non-Reformed scholar. Opportunities because I will study some of the best and brightest theologians throughout history up to the present time. Challenging because I won't agree with some of it. Actually, the book I am currently reading has gotten my attention and made me utter a few growls as I read it.

My professors seem great and they probably ARE great. For two classes I have an adjunct who is only here for the year. He is from the West Coast and probably one of my favorite qualities about him is that he is adjusting to New England life just as I am. When winter comes, however, I will be in better shape that he will be (one would think anyway.)

This weekend I went into Boston for "The Boston Plunge." I got to meet some of the major pastors in the Boston Area - all from Ethnic churches. I ate at the largest Chinese Restaurant I've ever been in. I don't know what I ate and much rather stick to sesame chicken and the like. It was a "learning experience" as Steve would say.

Today I went North to church in Gloucester (Gloster). The drive up there was b-e-a-utiful. Trees and hills on one side of the road - Atlantic Ocean on the other. After church we went up to Rockport for lunch. It was such a cute place - kind of a tourist spot, but hey, I'm a tourist. I wish I would have known we were going to do that because I would have brought my camera. I saw this small sailboat that I really think I could have sailed. I was so tempted!

As I still try to nail down a schedule and routine, I find myself thinking of home often. New England might as well be a foreign country in many ways. Not only do they not know how to pronounce words like "room" or "drawer," they are missing the charm that only home can provide. As the semester continues, I am sure I will have less time to ponder the many differences between where I am currently and where I will always belong - but until then...

Long, tedious weekend

Nothing like 2 days of nothing to do to start out an adventure...

Although the time has been relaxing and it has been good to talk to some friends from home - having nothing to do but be alone with one's thoughts can be a scary and perhaps not such a healthy way to start a new chapter in life. But, maybe I am wrong. Maybe this time has served as a catalyst into the academic year. Get me bored to tears so I am anxious for something to study - for something to learn. I have learned a few things already:
1. How to pronounce local towns in MA.
Peabody (Peebidy), Gloucester (Gloster), Worcester (Wuhster), etc.
2. The names of nearly all the single girls at GCTS.

3. The names and backstories of all the characters on Ugly Betty.

4. That Rte. 128 is helpful to get to Target and Market Basket - but may not be worth the risk...

5. That lobster scares me - no really.

I also took some pictures of the dorm suite I live in. I also took one of Elisa, my suite-mate, not to be confused with my roommate. Enjoy!

This is Elisa - she's pretty much amazing.

This is the room I share with Tina (my roommate).


This would be my bed.


My desk - with my ethernet cable strung above the door - very classy.


This shot includes hall closet, extra sink and bathroom.


This is the common room that we have yet to decide what to do with.

That is all for the tour of my new residence. I'll update when I have more to say!

Adjusting

Today was registration. I'm feeling good about how things are going here. I really like the people I've met so far - everyone including the faculty and staff have been friendly and welcoming. I was sort of taken aback today at the table for mentored ministry. I'm not doing a mentored ministry because my program does not require one, but I needed a signature anyway. The lady at the table asked my program (then gave me a high five), then proceeded to ask if I planned on teaching later to which I nodded yes (another high five) and then told me the names of some supposedly amazing female profs on campus that will "inspire" me. That conversation made me feel like I was at a place where I can excel because people believe in what I am doing. People understand the path laid out before me and can help me navigate it. I feel I have spent so much of the last few months defending my decision not to do an Mdiv and not to become a pastor that I have almost been resentful of it. ALMOST.

My parents left yesterday. It was hard, but they bought me Stranger than Fiction - which softened the separation for me. I have the BEST parents in the world. Not because they bought me a movie, but because they love me enough to take a vacation to New England just to move me in. Not much of a vacation either since they are spending 6 days of it driving. YUCK!

Pray for me tomorrow - I am meeting a pastor as we discuss the possibility of me working at a local church as a secretary. I think this job is going to be a good fit for me and I hope she feels the same way!

The Adventure Begins...

6:15am Saturday, Sept 1, 2007 - I wake up shaking...literally. Not sure I'm ready for the life change about to take place, but I motivate myself out of bed to begin my day - and ultimately the rest of my life.

2:30 pm - Stop for lunch in Iowa. It seems that I have been in Iowa forever.

9:00pm - Can't find a room in Illinois or western Indiana - decide to drive through the state.

2:00am (with time change) - find a room in Ohio - I sleep on the floor. I always knew it was smart to have my sleeping bag with me at all times.

9:30 am Sunday, Sept 2nd - leave hotel and travel into the unknown - New England.

lunch time: stop at Scoopy Do's in upstate New York - friendly service and lots of french fries.

Stop around 4:30 out of pure exhaustion - watch movies.

Monday, Sept 3, 2007 - after 5 hours of driving we arrive at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. I have made it. Find my room - meet my roommate - all is well.

I am still adjusting to life out here - especially the terrain. It is difficult for me to find my way around because I can't see the towns that I am in due to the amount of trees in the area. I got lost a little on my way to Target yesterday, but I regained by bearings and made it there and back safely. I like the girls I live with and have met a lot of really great people. Classes start on Friday - and I just have Hebrew, I believe.

Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers as I begin this new stage in my life.