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Unit 11 Discussion
Has the process of this course affirmed, reshaped, or clarified your goals for a theological education? If so, how? In other words, what difference (if any) has the process of this course made as far as your view or pursuit of a theological education is concerned?
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
The process of this course has definitely affirmed and clarified my goals for a theological education. During the first semester of classes I was heavily considering dropping out of this seminary program. I came to some very rocky places where I did not know if I was going to be able to get my degree from an off campus location. However, after taking this class and entering into some discussions with several peers, I know I want to continue my journey. It is very important for me to gain more knowledge about the Bible and theological issues that people don’t learn about in church. I want to be equipped with the proper knowledge so I can go and share God’s word correctly.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Pentecostal foundations has clarified my reason of being here at the seminary. I really did not have a clear concept of what I was even doing here outside of the fact that God said, "Go!" and so I did out of obedience not understanding. The retreat was very informative and the assessments have given some insight. I never really received a response of the assessments only my learning style ISTJ, knowing this information gave me a better insight as to how I need to study. The writing assignments with this course have really opened up my thinker. The writings were personal and required you to do some inner soul searching and this was therapeutic for me. Overall, I have truly benefitted from the course personally, intellectually and socially. brandy rainwater
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Amen! I have came close to leaving many times myself but quitters never win and winners never quit. And when you know that God has placed you somewhere you never want to quit what He has led you to do. that old enemy of our soul just attempts to interfere with the plans, wondrous plans that God has destined for our lives. Therefore, we must chase, and pursue our dreams and what the Potter has for us His clay.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
As I read the mission and vision statement of the Seminary there are some statements that clearly define the reasons that I am here. “The mission of the Church of God Theological Seminary is to prepare men and women for Christian ministry in today’s world.” To this I say a hearty Amen! I especially like the part that says men and women. One of the issues that I faced in my undergraduate program was I was a middle aged man attending college with young, right out of High School, young people. I always felt awkward with that age group. At the Seminary we have all age groups and we all are in it for the reason stated in this Mission statement. We want to prepare ourselves for ministry. Along with the Missions statement we also have a powerful Vision statement and part of it states, “From its beginning, the Church of God Theological Seminary has followed a model for ministerial development drawn from the Scriptures and the heritage of Wesleyan-Pentecostalism: the community of faith.” I really like the part and firmly believe that the Scriptures should always be the emphases of any and all learning experiences.
I perceived myself as someone who was already prepared for ministry. Having been in ministry for 37 years what more could I learn or be taught. However, I soon learned after about two weeks worth of classes that I always need more education and training. I am thoroughly enjoying my experience at the seminary so far. It is difficult and very stressful at times but I believe and know that it will benefit me and the ministry God has called me to do.
Stephen Moore
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
That is so true. I think that is the only reason why I have been so determined to finish my course because I am not a quitter. I played sports all throughout my high school career and if I learned one thing through that it was that quitting doesn't get you anywhere.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Emily,
I too have felt like this was to much for me to handle at times, but I have also found that this seminary experience has allowed me to find out alot about myself and what God has in store for me. I think the process helps us find out what we are truly made of and I know God will bless our efforts. I think what you are doing is great and know that God will truly bless your ministry. Keep up the good work.
Jason
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
There is no doubt that truly assessing our goals and our strengths and weaknesses will help shape our future seminary experience. For me, the knowledge gained out of this process has been great as it has made me be more aware of the surroundings I work in and has allowed me to see the different learning styles and how to reach each kind of learner. I think we often times find a style of learning that works best for us and tend to teach or preach that way, but the more well rounded we become the more fruitful the ministry will be. This process has also given me a clearer understanding of how to study the word so that each one of my learning styles will be met. I have found that I must challenge myself in many different ways in order to get the most out of this process. I think that over the next few semesters, or maybe even years, that I will be able to apply what I have learned here and use it towards as a foundation for my spiritual development.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
This class has made me stop and think...Looking back to gat a picture of the future is a novel idea! It really helps when you put a porfolio together to see Gods plan unfolding in your life. To know that His hand has been upon the people, events, etc. that have helped shape who you are and your calling.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
The process of assembling a portfolio helped me see just how much goals have been clarified in this semester. Writing out our goals (personal, ministerial, and educational) has been a component in several of the papers and unit discussion questions since the first week. I can see how some of my vaguely stated goals in the beginning have become more specific and clarified and how I have added new goals after studying for over half a semester now. I am sure that it will continue to develop throughout the course of being in seminary, so I plan to save a copy of the way my portfolio looks now as a means of comparison to chart my growth along the way!
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Good thoughts Jason. I also think that what I have learned in this course will have application for years to come -- especially understanding how differently people learn and process information. Any time I am asked to teach or lead a group, I will think about all the ways that people learn best.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
I like that quote, "Looking back to get a picture of the future." It is a good way to describe the importance of reflecting on our stories. It's definitely been insightful for me!
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
This course has revealed some interesting things about me. The assessments revealed my learning type and that gave me much more understanding about myself. Also, it helps me to better understand others. Knowing how they learn helps tremendously as I engage in relationship with them. I must admit that the writing assignments have been a little tedious. This course has affirmed my desire to be more equipped and gain the needed training in academics and spirituality for the furtherance of my calling. I do ask myself often if I think I can really do this. The jury is still out on that one.
Don Kirby
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
For the first several units when we were taking the assessments and completing the reflective writing assignments I thought, "I'd rather be studying the Bible!" But by the time we got to Unit 10, the light finally came on!  . Yes, the seminary is about learning the Bible, but it is equally about being effective in sharing what we've learned. It's about Bro. Land's Knowing, Being, and Doing! This class has refined my goals in pursuit of a theological education by placing equal emphasis on all three functions. I will probably remember it as one of the least enjoyable, but most necessary of all classes.
Rhonda Kinches
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Jason,
I too have many learning outcomes from this class; my learning style, different teaching techniques, areas of strengths and weaknesses, guidelines for writing academic papers and many more. It was a very profitable class!
Rhonda K.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
This class has reaffirmed many things that God had already affirmed in me. What has been most enjoyable is, reading the discussion boards and seeing, not only what God is doing in me but what He is doing in you! This class has offered the opportunity for me and us to look back or forward at the ministries, gifts and callings God has for us. I knew how to use the library, do research, write a paper, study, do Christian academics and Pentecostal scholarship! I also enjoyed the retreat too, it was good to put faces to the names on the discussion board and talk with you about our hearts for ministry!
Erich
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Understanding the leraning styles was fun..I agree! It was really good to have this class with my wife; so we could compare and contrast our learning styles and have fun with those results.
Erich
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Brandie,
I agree with your comments. I believe this class will play a key role in the success of our seminary journal.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Certainly, that the process of this course helped me to clarify and to define more concrete my goals for a theological education. Also, I realized the necessity to introduce other goals that are important for my ministerial formation as a servant.
This course make a difference in my life because it has “forced” me to remain still and to ask questions, to find answers, to glance in the past and mostly to reflect upon the future from God’s perspective for my life.
I accumulate (gather) precious and new information in this course. The questionnaires, the writing and reading assignments, and the posts of my classmates, more simply, the entire process of this course affirmed, reshaped, and clarified my goals for a theological education.
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Re: Unit 11 Discussion
Stephen
I agree with you about realizing the need for more education and training. I have been pastoring for over 20 years and see the need for much more equipping. Also, its good to know that there are some other "seasoned" veterans still striving for more. God bless and enrich you with his goodness.
Don Kirby
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