#introduction I’m a second-career seminarian and future teaching pastor if I can convince a congregation that I’m not too old or too inexperienced or too forgiven (my road to redemption was more switchback than straight freeway) to serve them. I might not be able to, so I hope to enjoy #seminary if for nothing more than my edification. I like unique chess sets, silent auctions, cultural artistic expressions of Christ and NT events, Episodes V and VIII, and Giordano’s pizza. And #memes.

I am in the early steps of discerning my call to #ministry.

I'm 40yo. The #Anglican tradition requires #Seminary training ~3yrs. My day job is good (both ways -- we write software for food banks.) In a perfect world, I would continue to walk down both paths throughout my calling, which means online, part-time studies. I may be 50 by the time I finish my studies, even if I start immediately. I don't need to be completely done my studies to be ordained, but the first step needs to be taken.

1/3

A church with unusual architecture for this region. And next to it - a seminary - one of the oldest in Europe.

https://snapstories.net/post/660207433909665792

#tykocin #church #seminary #poland #kościół #podlasie #alumnat #polska

#amWriting in the local-ish #cafe This cafe sits right next to a #Baptist #seminary ...

[Pausing to allow your imagination to wander.]

Yes, the overheard conversations can be as twisted, bizarre, often comical, and sometimes creepy as you probably imagined. When creepy, not quite Jehova-Witness-on-the-street-corner creepy, but pretty close. Today, just humorously surreal.

Writing-prompt rich! There'll be characters based on these folks, for sure. :)

#Christianity #WritingCommunity #creepy

Some Unaccredited #Seminary Options
https://www.ulmf.network/2023/01/some-unaccredited-seminary-options.html

Take a Look at United #Theological #Seminary of the Twin Cities
https://www.ulmf.network/2023/01/take-look-at-united-theological_0231845446.html

Community of Christ #Seminary
https://www.ulmf.network/2023/01/community-of-christ-seminary.html

Take a Look at United Theological #Seminary of the Twin Cities
https://www.ulmf.network/2023/01/take-look-at-united-theological_0231845446.html

My second son #leftthechurch and I wanted to know why. He shared what information he had about the #history of the church and before too long, I had read all of that and so much more. It was a terrible time for me and I felt quite #suicidal. I didn't know who I was if, after 39 years, I was no longer 'Sister Bodie', the #bishop's wife, the branch president's wife, the #seminary teacher... #faithcrisis #mormonfaithcrisis #faithdeconstruction #darknightofthesoul https://wasmormon.org/profile/jean-bodie/

I’m really excited about reading these for class, but I really think publishers of books on Queer Theology/ministry need a little more variety for the covers. Seriously, 3 of the 4 practically have the same cover.

#QueerTheology #Queer #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #seminarylife #seminary #PastoralCare #FaithfullyLGBTQ #QueerChristian

@YaleDivinitySchool I hope this is an appropriate place to ask the question below. If not, please point me in a better direction. Thank you for your time!

What would be an appropriate #AcademicReference for a middle-aged person who has been out of University for over a decade (Difficulty Level: ... and hasn't stayed in contact with anyone from those days)?

Do you have any advice to potential #GenX applicants with a #5YearPlan to start #Seminary by #50ish ?

Now that it's 2023, when I tell people I'm graduating in 2024 (Lord willing), it seems WAY TOO REAL.

#seminary #mdiv

It's a common mistake of 20something seminarians to think the whole ordination process should be about realizing and affirming their "call." I did it myself.

But the institution doesn't give a damn about calls. The institutional ordination process is about achieving the qualifications to join a professional guild.

Their interest is in protecting the guild, not in promoting your self-actualization. Proceed accordingly.

#MDiv #ordination #seminary

I'm really glad I made the decisions I did: go to seminary but get an M.A. rather than an MDiv. The MA opened more options & better prepared me for PhD work. A mixed bag of news for theological schools.

https://tinyurl.com/4cu5wyws

#religiousstudies #seminary #Academichatter #phdlife #phdstudents #theologicaleducation

Been a wild week with papers but I have time for an #Introduction

I'm an ELCA #seminary student, still discerning regarding becoming a Deacon. I have a lot of interests when it comes to #theology and #history , including reproductive justice, Christian rhetoric, and how groups have used Christianity to radicalize people towards violence.

I am a trauma informed personal trainer, powerlifter, #peloton fan, and I love fantasy. Happily married, and we have a pup, who is my baby.

Took New Testament Foundations 1 this morning and now I'm prepping for (and maybe taking, who knows) a take-home essay exam for Foundations of Christian Spirituality. Old Testament Foundations 1 is Monday, Church Histories 1 is Tuesday, and I've got a research paper due Tuesday, too. Elementary Hebrew 1 is a week from tomorrow. Almost through my first semester of #seminary!

An important read, from the Lausanne Movement offering insights into how seminary education needs to change:

Ashish Crispal, "Restoring Missional Vision in Theological Education: The Need for Transformative Pastoral Training in the Majority World"

https://lausanne.org/content/lga/2019-09/restoring-missional-vision-theological-education

#missional #theology #seminary #education #transformation #lausannemovement

My #Seminary friends are bad influences. One of them is trying to convince me to dye my hair blue for #Advent

I often wonder if I would be happier just going back to the way my life was before #seminary. I have loved the opportunities have had to learn about things I am passionate about but I have resented all the personal sacrifices I have had to make to do so. I miss seeing my family on a regular basis. I miss having free time. I miss reading what I want to read. I could go on but I won't.

Over the weekend I did the final three weeks of reading for my self directed study so that I could focus on my final project this week... so of course I would get sick and feel completely exhausted and unable to work on the project. #seminary