This has been eating at me for a while and I am not even sure if I can articulate the question, much less an answer, properly. The frustration may just stem from me being at a Divinity School instead of a true seminary, but I think that all of them suffer from similar issues. What is the point of studying about and writing countless papers about theology if the only responses that gain merit are those that speak in academic terms instead of what I will actually say to my congregation? Why do seminaries allow internships and field education during the summer and separating the academics from the application? Why are we not required to perform some form of long term service in the community during our three years in school?
I don't know the right answer. I have discussed these with other students. Some are sympathetic and some think I am off my rocker. Seminary should not be easy on either an academic or personal level. The challenges in both areas make you question your calling and drive you to ask and attempt an answer to the tough questions. But why should we separate the tough intellectual questions from the tough practical ones? My struggles with people outside the walls of the seminary help me wrestle with the countless pages of ancient and modern texts we read and vice versa. We are called as pastors to live in the world and show a glimpse of the Kingdom of God to everyone, so why do some students find it hard to get out in the community while in seminary? How does one go about convincing people that there is an amazing world out there that you can learn from and help at the same time. Plus, it gives a sanity break from the rigors of the world.
Just some rambling thoughts and questions I may never get the answers to.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Shout out to some Middies
I actually got these photos a few weeks ago, so I apologize about the delay. School has been keeping me quite busy over the last month. These are actually photos at the US Air Force Academy where some Naval Academy Midshipmen made a statement the week that Navy traveled to Colorado Springs for some football. Just some light humor that proves how ingenious and creative submariners can be. It is nice to see the tradition will carry on through the next generation.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Random Thoughts
So it has been almost a month since the last post. That means I am either lazy or busy. This time I can actually claim the busyness factor. This has started to subside now that things are getting routine and should let up a bit in a little over a week when I get my next two major assignments complete.
On a good note, I again survived the campout for Duke Basketball tickets for the Graduate Students and the lottery chose me for season tickets for the second straight year. Nothing like staying up for 36 hours straight to get tickets for essentially one game, UNC. The rest of the home schedule pretty much sucks but at least I get to go to some of the games as our group divides the tickets between the entire group that tented together. It is a great way to get to know others and it raised about $3500 for local charities over Friday and Saturday.
The semester is going well despite an initial feeling that I had over extended myself. I have been amazed at the time demand that campus ministry, my internship this year, places on people. It is such a good practice for becoming a military chaplain that the time commitment is well worth whatever stress it may induce. I get to work with young adults of the same age as my future Sailors and Marines dealing with all of the same issues as those in the military. Just like being a military chaplain, campus ministry is all about being present and available in their lives. I am blessed that this opportunity basically fell into my lap for this year. It would be better if I was getting paid for the work, but I didn't jump ship for the pay. Having to work for no money really forced me to deal with the fact that ministry is a calling and not a job. I just have to trust that I have the resources now and will have them later after I graduate and get a paying job again.
As with the Chaplain thing, I am at a loss for words with what happened on the USS Nebraska this past weekend. Apparently, the details are still not official, one of the junior sailors died while cleaning around a piece of gear that is powered by high pressure hydraulics. The gear moved and sliced his leg causing a mortal injury. My prayers are with those on board the sub and all of his brothers in the fleet that knew him. I never lost a shipmate while underway, but did lose some from other causes and those were traumatic. I can't imagine what they are dealing with losing him while underway. Hearing of times like this affirm my calling in that I am able to see the need for the Chaplain Corps in the overall health of the units they serve. These are the exact reasons why Chaplains are needed throughout the military. The service members constantly stare death down every day and need someone there to provide the care when death claims an occasional victory.
On a good note, I again survived the campout for Duke Basketball tickets for the Graduate Students and the lottery chose me for season tickets for the second straight year. Nothing like staying up for 36 hours straight to get tickets for essentially one game, UNC. The rest of the home schedule pretty much sucks but at least I get to go to some of the games as our group divides the tickets between the entire group that tented together. It is a great way to get to know others and it raised about $3500 for local charities over Friday and Saturday.
The semester is going well despite an initial feeling that I had over extended myself. I have been amazed at the time demand that campus ministry, my internship this year, places on people. It is such a good practice for becoming a military chaplain that the time commitment is well worth whatever stress it may induce. I get to work with young adults of the same age as my future Sailors and Marines dealing with all of the same issues as those in the military. Just like being a military chaplain, campus ministry is all about being present and available in their lives. I am blessed that this opportunity basically fell into my lap for this year. It would be better if I was getting paid for the work, but I didn't jump ship for the pay. Having to work for no money really forced me to deal with the fact that ministry is a calling and not a job. I just have to trust that I have the resources now and will have them later after I graduate and get a paying job again.
As with the Chaplain thing, I am at a loss for words with what happened on the USS Nebraska this past weekend. Apparently, the details are still not official, one of the junior sailors died while cleaning around a piece of gear that is powered by high pressure hydraulics. The gear moved and sliced his leg causing a mortal injury. My prayers are with those on board the sub and all of his brothers in the fleet that knew him. I never lost a shipmate while underway, but did lose some from other causes and those were traumatic. I can't imagine what they are dealing with losing him while underway. Hearing of times like this affirm my calling in that I am able to see the need for the Chaplain Corps in the overall health of the units they serve. These are the exact reasons why Chaplains are needed throughout the military. The service members constantly stare death down every day and need someone there to provide the care when death claims an occasional victory.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Year Two Week One
What a fast paced week. It looks as though this semester will be difficult in a completely different way than last year. Gone are the days of weekly one page busy work assignments. These are replaced by more intense and dense reading assignments and papers that make up a larger portion of our grades. As expected, it was an overwhelming week when I looked at all the assignments at first glance. But, as I get into the cycle of school and get the routine down again, it should be less daunting. I am excited about the subjects: Theology, Calvin, Greek and American Christianity. As long as I learn enough to pass my ordination exams next summer I will be satisfied with the semester.
I started my internship with the Campus Ministry here at Duke (the PCUSA variety). It is a great group of students and the supervisor is amazing as well. I am looking forward to seeing if campus ministry is a possibility in my life. Regardless of that outcome, it will be good practice for my future as a Navy Chaplain. Hopefully, I can teach the students as much as they will teach me this year. I really like the idea of learning how to work a ministry of presence, just being there for a group of people when they need me. It makes the job a bit more relaxing as well. I don't need to change the world, I just need to be ready when called.
I started my internship with the Campus Ministry here at Duke (the PCUSA variety). It is a great group of students and the supervisor is amazing as well. I am looking forward to seeing if campus ministry is a possibility in my life. Regardless of that outcome, it will be good practice for my future as a Navy Chaplain. Hopefully, I can teach the students as much as they will teach me this year. I really like the idea of learning how to work a ministry of presence, just being there for a group of people when they need me. It makes the job a bit more relaxing as well. I don't need to change the world, I just need to be ready when called.
Monday, August 18, 2008
School Prep
It is interesting how time flies as you procrastinate getting ready for classes to start. I got back from Chaplain School last Sunday night and then things got busy. I helped facilitate a service project for a group of incoming first year students at seminary (it ends up being about 20% of the incoming class). We show them around Durham and introduce them to the major issues in the city as seen from civic leaders and faith based organizations. They also learn from each other about how the problems in Durham are not only seen in Durham but from the cities they arrive here from. They also get the opportunity to meet a large portion of the class and get semi-settled in during that time.
As for me, I was there the entire time leading the incoming class through this process and got so hooked on the Olympics that I have done nothing at night to get ready for classes. I just couldn't pull myself away from watching the swimming. It is amazing how those athletes in all sports dedicate so much of their lives for just one short moment, sometimes lasting only a few seconds. Just think what would happen if the church would put for the same effort into something even greater than winning a gold medal. If each congregation would dedicate a major portion of their time and treasure on one issue in the community at all times, what would our world look like? What if a congregation of 1000 decided to end homelessness in their community (10$ per member each month from that size church would build two habitat homes each year)? These are questions that we are forced to ask in this week long service project each year. The real rub is how to convince a congregation to go out and do it.
As for me, I was there the entire time leading the incoming class through this process and got so hooked on the Olympics that I have done nothing at night to get ready for classes. I just couldn't pull myself away from watching the swimming. It is amazing how those athletes in all sports dedicate so much of their lives for just one short moment, sometimes lasting only a few seconds. Just think what would happen if the church would put for the same effort into something even greater than winning a gold medal. If each congregation would dedicate a major portion of their time and treasure on one issue in the community at all times, what would our world look like? What if a congregation of 1000 decided to end homelessness in their community (10$ per member each month from that size church would build two habitat homes each year)? These are questions that we are forced to ask in this week long service project each year. The real rub is how to convince a congregation to go out and do it.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Chaplain School Part 4
So we finally graduated on Friday with a bit more pomp than I think was really deserved. It was just a graduation from a 7 week service school. We were in chokers and had an official party and everything. I remember all of my other graduations and the most formal was power school and that wasn't too formal even with flag officer speakers. The good thing is that I am done with all of my required Navy training for becoming a chaplain. The odd thing is that with all of that training I still can't do a darn thing as a Navy Chaplain. Some crazy rule about not being able to do anything that I can do at my own church. All because I am still in school. There are ordained Chaplain Candidates that cannot preside over sacraments in a military setting. Sometimes the Navy way of thinking just baffles me.
I did get to visit some old friends in DC on the way back to NC. It was a great weekend. I also was able to finally visit Arlington Cemetery and the WWII memorial. Those were powerful experiences. At the WWII memorial there was a Pearl Harbor vet that I was able to thank and talk with for a few minutes. There was also another vet that was in front of the wall of stars and gave me a great photo. I will try and get that up later. Arlington was sobering, but not for the reasons many others call it sobering. I was actually a bit disturbed by the tourist feel of the place. They need to get rid of the for profit tour operator and offer the rides for free for those that are not able to walk and make everyone else walk around and soak up the reason for that hallowed ground. Sorry about the rant, but the real sobering thing as a future chaplain is the fact that section 2, an entire section of grave sites, is reserved for chaplains. That really made what I am getting ready to do hit home. Not many chaplains die in combat, but if we do we all get a reserved section. It also highlights just how highly we are looked upon by the military in that they set a special place for those of us that pass.
Now my focus is back on getting ready for school that starts two weeks from today. I have to get ready for my internship that starts the first week and a divinity school service project focusing on Durham that starts tomorrow.
On a completely different note, how about the US relay team and the amazing finish last night. I am so glad I am not underway or standing duty this Olympic year and get to see everything as it happens. I am a huge fan of the summer games and this year is not letting me down. I hope for a number of other upsets and close matches in all the sports.
I did get to visit some old friends in DC on the way back to NC. It was a great weekend. I also was able to finally visit Arlington Cemetery and the WWII memorial. Those were powerful experiences. At the WWII memorial there was a Pearl Harbor vet that I was able to thank and talk with for a few minutes. There was also another vet that was in front of the wall of stars and gave me a great photo. I will try and get that up later. Arlington was sobering, but not for the reasons many others call it sobering. I was actually a bit disturbed by the tourist feel of the place. They need to get rid of the for profit tour operator and offer the rides for free for those that are not able to walk and make everyone else walk around and soak up the reason for that hallowed ground. Sorry about the rant, but the real sobering thing as a future chaplain is the fact that section 2, an entire section of grave sites, is reserved for chaplains. That really made what I am getting ready to do hit home. Not many chaplains die in combat, but if we do we all get a reserved section. It also highlights just how highly we are looked upon by the military in that they set a special place for those of us that pass.
Now my focus is back on getting ready for school that starts two weeks from today. I have to get ready for my internship that starts the first week and a divinity school service project focusing on Durham that starts tomorrow.
On a completely different note, how about the US relay team and the amazing finish last night. I am so glad I am not underway or standing duty this Olympic year and get to see everything as it happens. I am a huge fan of the summer games and this year is not letting me down. I hope for a number of other upsets and close matches in all the sports.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Chaplain School Part 3
It once again has been a bit of time since the last post and I have since had a birthday in that time. The Chaplain corps takes care of their own much like the submarine force as some of my fellow students went out and got a cake for me to assist in celebrating my birthday. I was even given some gag gifts in the vein of a submarine wardroom. I will have to say the best gifts came from my parents. Dad shipped up some of his famous oatmeal cookies for me and the class and mom went to my house that has sat empty for the last two months and cleaned it up.
Class has remained pretty much the same, more focus on being an officer and how to be a staff officer and less on how to perform ministry in the military, but I think I am numb to the frustration of the curriculum. We did get to go out in the field for a week and play like we were on a field exercise with the Marines. The obstacle course and the Leader Reaction Course were worth the price of admission alone. As soon as I get photos from my classmates, I will try and post a few here. Those two days probably bonded the class more than any other event so far and we got to see what each of us were made of. On the whole, we have an impressive bunch of Chaplains entering the fleet over the next few years. This past week was more on how to report to your first command, but there was a section on learning a specific program for marriage counseling that the Navy uses.
Friday was the first ever change of command for the Chaplain school, and it was the most bizarre one I have attended. There is a typical format used and this one deviated in many places. I was kind of hoping for a typical 1000 ceremony and the rest of the day off, needless to say that did not occur.
A group of us went to Martha's Vineyard last weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It is an expensive island, but if you are not staying the night it is not too bad. We learned once we got there that the vineyard was torn down a few years ago, but there is still plenty to see and do over the course of a day. We discovered last Sunday that there are two vineyards about 10 minutes from Newport and we explored those and had a great time. I am Presbyterian so I am allowed to drink in moderation (for those of you cringing at the thought of a minister drinking alcohol). I am looking forward to today and my trip to Boston to see the Red Sox at Fenway. I am neither a big baseball fan or a Red Sox fan, but the chance to see a game at Fenway I just can't pass up. I have wanted to go to a game since showing up so I am taking the chance today to get up there and experience such a fabled ball park.
Class has remained pretty much the same, more focus on being an officer and how to be a staff officer and less on how to perform ministry in the military, but I think I am numb to the frustration of the curriculum. We did get to go out in the field for a week and play like we were on a field exercise with the Marines. The obstacle course and the Leader Reaction Course were worth the price of admission alone. As soon as I get photos from my classmates, I will try and post a few here. Those two days probably bonded the class more than any other event so far and we got to see what each of us were made of. On the whole, we have an impressive bunch of Chaplains entering the fleet over the next few years. This past week was more on how to report to your first command, but there was a section on learning a specific program for marriage counseling that the Navy uses.
Friday was the first ever change of command for the Chaplain school, and it was the most bizarre one I have attended. There is a typical format used and this one deviated in many places. I was kind of hoping for a typical 1000 ceremony and the rest of the day off, needless to say that did not occur.
A group of us went to Martha's Vineyard last weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It is an expensive island, but if you are not staying the night it is not too bad. We learned once we got there that the vineyard was torn down a few years ago, but there is still plenty to see and do over the course of a day. We discovered last Sunday that there are two vineyards about 10 minutes from Newport and we explored those and had a great time. I am Presbyterian so I am allowed to drink in moderation (for those of you cringing at the thought of a minister drinking alcohol). I am looking forward to today and my trip to Boston to see the Red Sox at Fenway. I am neither a big baseball fan or a Red Sox fan, but the chance to see a game at Fenway I just can't pass up. I have wanted to go to a game since showing up so I am taking the chance today to get up there and experience such a fabled ball park.
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