More and more I am convinced that process matters more than product. A Chinese proverb says it this way, "Give someone a fish, feed them for a day. Teach someone to fish, feed them for a lifetime".
My theological degree programs changed my life for the better. I was formed and reformed in ways that I never imagined. The papers and presentations, lectures and class projects were all valuable, but the methodologies of exegesis, thinking theologically, and learning how to ask the right questions have lived with me longer. My MDiv senior statement of faith, that I did collaboratively with three others including my partner for life, Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, is something I treasure, but again the practice of working together as a team had the larger impression. So it was my "Plan for Continuing Education" that I might most appreciate from my Doctor of Ministry program. The thesis, classes, and the classmates still impact my daily life and ministry, but that plan to continue learning was priceless. It’s true, the more we learn, the more we discover how much we don’t know.
What is your plan for continuing education?
All of our PC(USA) Seminaries have a great deal to offer. Check out their websites for more information. Two programs came across my desk that may make participating even more affordable, if not free. Princeton Seminary has received a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to fund a new Science for Ministry initiative (1st program Nov. 2-6). Science and religion questions in our culture are pressing ones and this program will help you or someone you know think through them carefully and faithfully. Another great opportunity is one that Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary continues to offer, the College of Pastoral Leaders. Cohorts can write proposals for a course of study to be funded (Due Oct. 31).
"Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ 6 He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish." (John 21:4-6)
Maybe it is both, product and process. But, maybe it’s time to cast your net on the other side?
Have a great weekend!
Lee from Louisville.
My theological degree programs changed my life for the better. I was formed and reformed in ways that I never imagined. The papers and presentations, lectures and class projects were all valuable, but the methodologies of exegesis, thinking theologically, and learning how to ask the right questions have lived with me longer. My MDiv senior statement of faith, that I did collaboratively with three others including my partner for life, Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, is something I treasure, but again the practice of working together as a team had the larger impression. So it was my "Plan for Continuing Education" that I might most appreciate from my Doctor of Ministry program. The thesis, classes, and the classmates still impact my daily life and ministry, but that plan to continue learning was priceless. It’s true, the more we learn, the more we discover how much we don’t know.
What is your plan for continuing education?
All of our PC(USA) Seminaries have a great deal to offer. Check out their websites for more information. Two programs came across my desk that may make participating even more affordable, if not free. Princeton Seminary has received a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to fund a new Science for Ministry initiative (1st program Nov. 2-6). Science and religion questions in our culture are pressing ones and this program will help you or someone you know think through them carefully and faithfully. Another great opportunity is one that Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary continues to offer, the College of Pastoral Leaders. Cohorts can write proposals for a course of study to be funded (Due Oct. 31).
"Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ 6 He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish." (John 21:4-6)
Maybe it is both, product and process. But, maybe it’s time to cast your net on the other side?
Have a great weekend!
Lee from Louisville.
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