There are several people who have helped me get to this point. None more than my wife. I'm writing this while Liz is at work because she'd be embarrassed if she knew I was thanking her publicly. And that basically tells you enough. Liz. Is. At. Work. On a Saturday. And I'm at home drinking coffee. She's worked so hard for two and a half years so that I can go to school. Thanks Liz. I love you. And I'm so grateful for you and all you do.
Ok, mushy stuff over. What follows is an interview I did of myself so you can know what's new. *Like I said, I've had a little time on my hands the last few weeks.
So what's new? Well, I've finished 82.5 credits of my M.Div. I'm taking two and a half classes (7.5 credits). That means this term is ridiculously easy compared to previous terms where I've taken 12 or 14 credits. I actually had to get special permission from the college to be considered a full time student.
Two and a half classes? Yep, one class is a year-long internship so I've only gotten credit for half of the class so far.
What other classes are you taking? Pastoral Care & Ethics and Missional Church. I'm actually quite excited about Missional Church.
Why? Well, the best part of the class is that there is only one assignment.
I see, you're just lazy and it's an easy class. Actually no, the assignment is 6,000 words (~25pages). I'm excited about it because I'll be able to devote most of my time to one topic.
And what topic will that be? I've been thinking about missional strategy in suburban contexts. You see, suburbs are a relatively new phenomenon. One of the earliest examples is Clampham which is outside of London and home of some influential Christians such as William Wilberforce. In mid-twentieth century America, as wealthy people moved out of the cities, suburbs became normative experiences from which they could......
Boring. That's what my grandmother says.
So you mentioned you've got an easy course load. What are you doing with your free time? I'm still working at Regent. Coordinating community groups and serving as Teacher's Assistant for two profs. Liz and I are leading a small group through our church. But mostly I'm job searching for when I finish.
What kind of job? *Totally not a planted question. I'm hoping to find a role overseeing small groups, discipleship and/or assimilation (welcome) ministries for a church somewhere in the South. I think I'm uniquely gifted to help people come to know the Lord and the church. My goal is to start work July 1.
Cool. Yep.
What about nonchurchy things? Doing any of that? Oh yeah, I'm starting to train for a marathon and I'm hoping to do some skiing this season. And I made my own waxed canvas lunch bag.
Last Question. Did you get hit by the Polar Vortex? No. Vancouver is the warmest part of Canada. It has only snowed once and it is currently 45°F and rainy.
