I don't know what I was expecting to read when I opened a piece about what should be taught in seminary, but I don't think it was something so deeply reflective and heartfelt that it's now raining a little bit on my face.
Yes. I feel like what you are talking about, and what we need deep growth in (always, including during theological training) is personal discipleship. Knowing God in Christ by His Word empowered by the Spirit. And daily engagement with Him, in deepening reliance and dependence, grown in prayer as one of the daily disciplines of grace, and increasingly our reflex action at every moment. Not knowing about God. Check out Shattered Shepherds by Steve Swartz. While he writes it post-pastorate disaster, what he drags the reader through is this basic question: “Was it, and is it, about Jesus, or about someone/something else?” Experience post-College will bring us to this daily, in big and small ways. Asking the question daily at College is a great place to start, as students are then urged to grow in the areas you describe. Carrying on from there is essential as we go forward. Jesus Christ is Lord!
Thank you Michael. That is one of the most honest and impactful explorations of 'clergy life' I've heard. Being a clergy spouse for over 40 years I have learned about and experienced much of the scenario. I have also spent time myself in theological lectures with aspiring ordinands. This process is now so muddled up between academic work and the real life of a parish. One core "learning lab" for me was the weekly gathering of students (and others) for worship, for the centrality of the sacrament in that almost hot-house context, for that expression of "unity" in telling God’s story through the liturgy, a chance to be still, to listen to the context of being together, prayer and song, word and sacrament. These are the elements of worship I now appreciate in our small town Sunday worship, maybe the beginning of the listening our indigenous friends can share with us, away from the bright lights, the overcrowded parish programs that block the reality of who God is and what God’s kingdom really is.
I am grateful for these reflections,
the order, and your candour.
I don't know what I was expecting to read when I opened a piece about what should be taught in seminary, but I don't think it was something so deeply reflective and heartfelt that it's now raining a little bit on my face.
Yes. I feel like what you are talking about, and what we need deep growth in (always, including during theological training) is personal discipleship. Knowing God in Christ by His Word empowered by the Spirit. And daily engagement with Him, in deepening reliance and dependence, grown in prayer as one of the daily disciplines of grace, and increasingly our reflex action at every moment. Not knowing about God. Check out Shattered Shepherds by Steve Swartz. While he writes it post-pastorate disaster, what he drags the reader through is this basic question: “Was it, and is it, about Jesus, or about someone/something else?” Experience post-College will bring us to this daily, in big and small ways. Asking the question daily at College is a great place to start, as students are then urged to grow in the areas you describe. Carrying on from there is essential as we go forward. Jesus Christ is Lord!
Philippians 3:7-14
Love these reflections, Michael. There are lessons learned here that apply to lay people too. It’s the wisdom of time and experience, yeah?
Thank you Michael. Thank you.
Thank you Michael. That is one of the most honest and impactful explorations of 'clergy life' I've heard. Being a clergy spouse for over 40 years I have learned about and experienced much of the scenario. I have also spent time myself in theological lectures with aspiring ordinands. This process is now so muddled up between academic work and the real life of a parish. One core "learning lab" for me was the weekly gathering of students (and others) for worship, for the centrality of the sacrament in that almost hot-house context, for that expression of "unity" in telling God’s story through the liturgy, a chance to be still, to listen to the context of being together, prayer and song, word and sacrament. These are the elements of worship I now appreciate in our small town Sunday worship, maybe the beginning of the listening our indigenous friends can share with us, away from the bright lights, the overcrowded parish programs that block the reality of who God is and what God’s kingdom really is.
Fay Magee