Previously on...

So its been a while since I have blogged.  There are many stories as to why, but for now they will have to wait.  I learned long ago (in a math class) that trying to play catch up only you leaves you constantly behind and with a C in the class.  Hopefully, we will find time to fill in the gaps as we go along.

Last time I posted I mentioned that I was looking at doing CPE this summer (basically an internship as a hospital chaplain).  That didn't happen.  The short version is that I turned my application in too late to be placed this year.  The long version is one of those stories we need to skip for now.

Not doing CPE this summer means that two other things happened instead.  The first is that I was able to finish out my internship at CCP.  The second is that I was able to take a six week intensive course in Biblical Hebrew.  I am taking Hebrew as I pursue a Masters of Divinity.

Those of you close to the world of seminary, may be asking, "What happened to Children's Ministry?'  While the rest of you are asking, "What is a Masters of  Divinity?"

A Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the four degree (at least that is how long it will take me) that is the most common degree in seminary.  Statistically that may no longer be true, but the perception of most churches is  that an MDiv is the "real" degree, while the others are specializations for "lesser positions."  I know that I am over simplifying the reality, but not by much.

I am pursuing an MDiv degree because it better communicates to churches the roles and responsibilities that I am seeking.  Even when Children's Ministry was my primary focus, I never thought of myself as a Director or Coordinator but as Pastor of Children and/or Families.  My time here at seminary has shown me that the MDiv will afford me further training and experiences that will better equip me to serve in a pastoral role.

I haven't left my passion for Children's Ministry behind.

However, I have found a growing passion for "Christian Formation"  as a whole.  Christian Formation is the encompassing title for the programs and discipleship of all the congregants of a church.  My time in seminary has shown me that good Children's Ministry is closely tied to "what the adults are doing" as well as the fact that "adult" formation can benefit from the attitudes and structures of a good Children's program.  I am now seeking a role as either a Children's Pastor and/or the role of Pastor of Christian Formation.  I have found that I love to teach.  It doesn't matter what subject or what age.  I love making things understandable to others.  More than that I love to see people live out what they are learning.

When you combine this love of teaching with the the joy of watching God change lives (and being called to be a part of that process) you have the calling placed upon my life.  I believe the MDiv is the degree that will best help me live out my calling.  I am excited to see how this becomes reality in the future, as well as how God will use me these next two years in Chicago.

I invite you to share this journey of discovery with me.  Next week I will tell you a story that illustrates one way God has been using me this far.


--Serving Him alongside all of you, just from further away
--Jesse Letourneau

Tune in next week for "Bull Moose-Dead Moose" or "Bullwinkle forgets to eat his supper"