Yesterday afternoon 11/12/14, I submitted my final papers for my final Mdiv class. I was trying to remember the date I wrote my first paper but could not so I went back to see when it was. On May 16th 2011 at 8:53pm I wrote and saved my first paper. So around three and a half years later I have finished the race that I set out to start. The first semester was not all that bad it was a fun class and I was getting to know so many people. However I remember looking around the room to see who was in there. As I looked to my left and right and listened to the people share and talk I was starting to get the sinking feeling that I was WAY out of my league here.
On my left was a guy by the name of Jack McClelland he was so smart and I was doing all that I could to keep pace with him. He shared his background and who he was, what he wanted to get out of the experience, and that he was excited to be there. As the week went on I was in awe of Jack and how much knowledge he had and how well he spoke. One thing that stuck out to me that first week was that he acted like he wanted to be my friend, even though I was shy.
Two people down on my right was a guy by the name of Adam Kline. He was from Canada, eh! If I thought Jack was brilliant Adam was right there with him step for step. I was slowly sinking down into my seat knowing that I was way out of my game and comfort zone. I felt like I was back in college swimming in the deep water doing all I could to keep treading water, trying not to drown.
Being in the room with these two guys made me understand how far I needed to go and yet I was drawn to them because of the wisdom and knowledge that they had. I would write down things that they would say and bounce questions at them when I did not feel like a scared kid, lost in the cornfields of my family farm.
I would come to find out that these two guys, along with another friend that joined us later in our journey, would become as close as brothers to me. Walking with each other when we maybe wanted to give up on school, church life, and were worn from the journey.
Jay was that other guy. He was from an earlier cohort and was such a blessing to me. He has encouraged me and taught me how to learn to listen to what God has. I know that he has such a heart for people that he works with. I am glad that God brought him to our group even if he had to wait to graduate.
During that same week, we were introduced to our professors that would be teaching the courses during the semester. Two of the people stood out to me and helped confirm I was in the right place. Sarah and I were in the beginning stages of adoption and when Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Arn shared their lives to us in class it was as if they were sharing only to me. I remember feeling like both of them were sitting down with me speaking right at my heart, letting me know that I was on the right path.
Now at the end of this journey, three and a half years later. 75 credit hours of classes. I have finished...I will graduate with my Mdiv with a specialization in Church Revitalization. I get to help churches that want something fresh from God. I get to help churches dream again. Churches that at one time had a vision and mission for lost people in their community.
I miss my brothers. I miss being online with them. I will miss seeing them on campus, eating meals with them, seeing them face to face and hearing their hearts for God and the lost. Seeing the pain and triumph in their eyes as they share their hearts with the group.I know that we are praying for each other and watching where God is taking us.
I have come to learn that the mark of a great church, school, seminary or whatever, is when you are willing to refer someone there. I can say without a doubt that I would recommend my journey to others. It was not always easy but it was great!!!
I have finished...but now I get to start New Day Consulting...Here we go!
