Unit 11 Discussion

[erichandem]

This course has only helped to better understand the vision and mission of the Seminary.  I have learned some about myself like learning styles and how they work.  So far this course has only reafirmed what I knew God had called me to do.  I am still working on what I want from my theological education and I am still trying to figure out how that works.  I will hopefully understand this as I move through my program.  THank you!! EM Lacks

[erichandem]

Brandi, I can see that we have somehting in common.  I didn't even think that anyone except for pastors could go to the seminary until God told me to go last August when we were setting up things for my husband.  I think that as we progress through our journey we will further understand our purpose.  God BLess, Em Lacks

The process of this course has helped to clarify my goals. I started my seminary journey with a deep sense of the times in which I live and do ministry. One of the questions on the Initial Assessment Questionnaire when I applied to the seminary was what do I expect to get out of my seminary experience? My initial response was, I expect to be provided with the necessary tools to be better equipped to do ministry in this ever changing world of globalization, and advanced technology.

As I now reflect on the journey and what I have learnt so far, I realized that I was in a hurry to learn how to do more than how I was to become more. Initially when I began the surveys I thought it was a waste of time. Let’s just get on with the theology and all the other courses of higher learning. How wrong I was as the Lord began to open my eyes to the truth. I needed to first understand myself better before I could effectively minister to others. I discovered that there was still a whole lot to learn about myself even after seventeen years of doing ministry.  All the assessments brought a deeper sense of self-awareness. I discovered that my ministry vocation really depends more on who I am than what I do.

[Lizzierod]

this course did  help clarify one big question, if this was where I should continue my educational journey and with all the assessments and discussions and papers I came to the conclusion that the seminary is not where I want to continue my journey. I did get great knowledge of who I am in the Lord and all the assessments really dug deep inside my head and heart. I know God wants me to continue to study  and get a counseling degree but not here at the COGST. I came into the program due to the encouragment of my brother and sister-in-law, who have been attending here. I thought it would be a great way to get into the Word and get my Counseling degree. However, I find that I do not have the desire and passion that I have read in some of the dicussions that others have posted about the seminary. Don't get me wrong, my experience here has been wonderful and filled with many blessings from the knowledge of the Word, testamonies from classmates, and getting to know myself better thru the Word. I just feel that this is not the place that I should continue my educational journey. I believe that God has another plan for me.
Liz

[stev]

The area of assessment of personal ministry development competencies was very helpful in defining and relating to my place of ministry among a specific people. This has really opened my eyes and increased my appreciation for God’s hands of grace and appointment in my life. I was born in a country outside of the United States of America. God’s hands has guided me and brought me to this country to minister to people of all backgrounds and culture. The Church of God’s population in the State of New York is about seventy percent immigrant of which fifty percent are of Caribbean decent. The S.W.O.T. analysis allowed me to see the strength of working in a specific place, among people from similar backgrounds, the strength of this is that the people in our churches are very accepting and appreciative of having one that truly understands and relates to them.

[Daniel Oscar]

The process of this course help me to evaluate each area of my life. Through this course I could make a systemic or holistic evaluation of my self. Viewing me as a total, a system, but also considering each area of my life as a very important sub system that has to work well and make running harmoniously the complete person.

Daniel Oscar

[stev]

 Dear Devon, I found it to be true for me as well that the assessments brought a deeper sense of self-awareness and appreciation also for past ministry. I found it very help in assisting to develop a wholesome ministry.

[Lucille]

Very well stated, Sunny.  I think what you have said can be true for many of us in this class.

Lucille

[Lucille]

Dear Liz,
So sorry you are leaving us.  I have been associated with the COG Theological Seminary for 23 years as the chapel organist, and love it.  If God has another plan for you, by all means you must follow that plan.  It has been good to have you in our class this semester, and we will miss you around here.  I pray God's richest blessings on you in the future.

Lucille Barfield

[gkevin]

The Foundations process has clarified what was, for me, a large vocational blank. I knew I was called to be in seminary and specifically at the Church of God seminary. I know I am called to ministry and specifically full time vocational ministry. I had established goals for my education that were less about "what" and more about "how" - depth in the Word, increased exegetical ability, etc.

Foundations has allowed me to investigate and answer the "what" question. As I noted in the portfolio project, I will probably never be a pastor again. What my experience highlighted my profiles, reflections, and passions confirmed - it is simply not the way I am wired. I need some of the things my business profession provides - a very fluid environment full of visionary tasks without too much repetition or granularity. I need some of the things the mission world provides - ministry activity that interacts internationally, crossing denominational lines to integrate various stakeholders in creating an environment for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will probably end up in either para-church missions administration or in the COG missions administrative arm.

This is a big step for me. My expectation was always to serve as a senior pastor and lead a church. Much of my heart is still in the pulpit and teaching. But I begin to see there are opportunities outside the pulpit ministry where my business, ministry, and family characteristics provide a better fit. It's been hard to "let go" and it still (vaguely) feels a little like "giving up". It's interesting how deeply our expectations can take root and prove difficult to "replant".

I am enjoying the process and beginning to experience a new comfort and connection with the new direction. I trust that each of you are finding the same clarity and finger print of God's direction in your journey.

Blessings - Kevin

[gkevin]

Brandie:

your Foundations experience sounds much like mine. So what is the result - that is, what educational direction (concentration) is God leading you and what do you think you'll do with the MDiv when you graduate?

[gkevin]

Liz:

Although I'm sorry to read you may leave the program, it sounds as if God has given you a "made up" heart and mind. Question - where do you think God will lead next and what will be different about that direction than the COG seminary (ie why is it a better path for you)?

[Hixford Allen]

Pentecostal Foundations Unit 11 Discussion
The process of this course has indeed has at some points reshaped and clarify my goals for theological education.  Through the various activities and exercises of the course I have been challenged to reexamine my goals for theological education with respect to my personal goals and my mission context. The activity has helped me to identify strengths and growth areas in my life, and in so doing has help to shape the way forward.  Reflection on the assessments has helped to identify learning styles preferences; and reflection on my Christian story helped me to reflect on areas of my ministry where I have been successful, and where I have has difficulty.  All of these activities have helped to sharpen my focus on where I need to place emphasis in my theological education.

Hixford Allen

[Hixford Allen]

Hi Revdev:

The course has sure mede me more aware of myself, that is, my strength and weaknesses.  It has helped me to think through my present mission context and where i need to go.

[Scott Skeens]

The retreat really opened my eyes to the full purpose of my theological education.  Since then, I have done much evaluation and revisited my goals and vision of the reason I want to go through this process.  I feel like I have a clearer and balance view of why I desire to go down this path.  Last fall, while taking a course, I contemplated if this was truly for me, but now, there is certainly no doubt.  Learning these challenging courses will allow my thinking and formation to go to new heights.  I am looking forward to new opportunities that await me.  

[Kip]

This course has helped me (an ENFP) to focus on the calling upon my life and the mission of the Seminary. I is always good to reflect upon truths that the Lord led us to, which is what My Testimony did. As a Pentecostal, I have become focused on the circumstances and power of God revealed in my testimony. The assessments and the Retreat were perhaps the most insightful aspects of the class to me. They allowed me to step outside of myself and see what I bring into or take away from the Lord's ministry. I have learned to recognize my weaknesses and affirm my strengths as a Christ follower. In addition, it is always helpful to review the mission statement and goals of the Seminary, its President and its programs. This heightens us to be recognize the goals and Spirit of those instructing us at the Seminary. I believe that the final Portfolio will be an valuable tool when we graduate. To be able to look back at the start of the journey and reflect upon the movement of the Holy Spirit while at Seminary will be a great gift.
Kip