Below is a copy of the general newsletter that I send to supporting churches. It contains general information about my daily life at the seminary. While I will try to cover daily life issues in some of my blog posts, I will also use some of the blog space to do some deeper theological thinking. For those of you that want the updates, this is for you!
Greetings!
This is the initial
newsletter in what should be a monthly cycle (at least while classes are in
session). Numerous people have told me that they would enjoy reading about the
life of a seminary student, so I felt eager to come up with some sort of
letter. I hope my writings give you at least a glance into the life of a
seminarian.
Compared to other advanced degrees, the Master of
Divinity degree is quite different. While there is a great amount of intensive
study, there is also a chance for ministerial formation. This formation process
is quite helpful four years from now when many of us (first-year students) will
be placed into our first congregations. One does not simply become a pastor by
studying the Bible and significant theological writings. They also need to
learn how to build relationships, preach, lead, teach, etc. Some of these
things simply cannot be learned in the classroom. Therefore, students must be
out in their communities, working with parishioners, and spending time in new
cultural situations (these are just a few examples). While this first
newsletter will be fairly general, following letters will have deeper
explanations of the formation process.
Cassie and I have never lived anywhere near the state
of Missouri. The city of St. Louis is quite vibrant. However, it is facing some
serious problems with crime and poverty. The seminary is located in a suburb of
St. Louis, but just a few minutes from downtown. We live on campus in condo
units created for married students. The condos are off to the side of the
actual classroom buildings, so I am able to feel like I am “going home” after a
day in classes.
Classes
I have a fairly busy first semester ahead of me.
Currently I am taking Hebrew and Greek readings, Pastoral Ministry,
Introduction to Historical Theology, and a class on Lutheran doctrine. My
professors are very kind and encouraging. However, they do feel free to
challenge the students to dig deep into their work to get the very most out of
the class. While I do like my classes, I will admit that I will be thankful
when I am done with both Hebrew and Greek!
Field Work
Every seminary student
is involved in field work. This is time set aside to work in a congregation in
the St. Louis area. While I have not taken the classes that allow me to preach
or lead worship, there are still many things I can do. I have been placed at
Ascension Lutheran, an LCMS congregation five miles from the seminary campus. Since
I have only been at the congregation a few weeks, I am still building
relationships with the members. Currently, I am working with a few other
seminary students in a Nepalese Bible study. Over the last three years, people
from Nepal have moved into the neighborhood of Ascension. The Nepalese
primarily practice Hinduism. However, there is a group of about twenty people
that have converted to Christianity. They have been baptized, and some are
already taking communion. Only some of the Nepalese know English. For this
reason, the Bible studies are in a bi-lingual format. Usually, the teenagers
are translating for the adults. While I am still new to the church, it is such
a joy to be sharing in the ministry of Ascension Lutheran.
MissionShift
As part of my first-year field work, I am taking part
in a new course called MissionShift.
On Monday nights, we meet in a large group a church near downtown St. Louis.
The course is not strictly reserved for seminary students. There are many lay
leaders and pastors from other congregations in the St. Louis area attending
the class. The focus of MissionShift is
on the changing cultures in our American cities. With the change, there are now
many cultures and ethnicities living near each other. The church is called to
reach these people. One of the most effective ways to reach people with the
Gospel is by building relationships. MissionShift
is designed to teach us how to build these relationships across cultures. So
far, we have focused on racism and poverty in St. Louis and different cultural
norms that can effect communication.
Cassie’s Life
Cassie is quite busy as well. She is finishing up her
bachelor’s degree in Family Life Education with an online cohort. Recently, she
has been highly recommended for the master’s program. Therefore, the
application and interview process for the program will begin soon. Cassie also
works full time at a Lutheran school in northern St. Louis. She aids in the
teaching of K-3rd grade students. The school is ethnically diverse,
and Cassie has enjoyed working with a different culture. There are many new
things to learn about family systems, and the way their children are raised.
The school reaches out to many students stuck in less fortunate living
situations. The school is also struggling financially. The teachers and
administrative staff are working very hard to make sure the school stays open
so that the ministry can continue.
Prayer
|
·
For the city of St. Louis—the crime rate is
high, poverty is high, and unemployment is high
·
For Cassie as she balances work and school
·
For Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis—that
they may continue to touch the lives of the Nepalese. Pray that God would raise
up Christian leaders among the people of Nepal.
·
Almost all seminary
students struggle with finances at the seminary. Pray that God would continue
to raise up people willing to financially support the seminarians.
“For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
-Psalm 100:5
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