Unit 12 Discussion: Summative Reflections

[SunnyE]

I first read through several of the other posts, and you all have said so well much of what I would like to say about learning about myself, gaining clarity, and having appreciation for the work of the instructors.  In addition to strongly echoing all of that, I would also just like to add that I think the retreat was an especially nice part of the course.  I really enjoyed being able to see the faces of my classmates and my instructors.  It really made a difference and I feel much more connected to the class as a result.  I look forward to getting to know each of you more throughout the course of our studies.

God bless!

[gkevin]

The Foundations course has been totally beneficial to me. The assessments were actually a relief - I act pretty normal considering my wiring. My vocational ministry goals have clarified a great deal. I came into the class thinking I was working from a blank slate - I'm not...God had some specific ideas in mind and I just needed to reflect long enough to catch up to them.

I think the best part of the course has been the development of the ministry profile. This is the first time I've had to write it all out - story, goals, desires, struggles, etc. I'll admit that, since I finished it, I've not only read it through several times, but I also sent it to a ministry that has asked me to apply for a position. I could think of no better pre-interview statement to get them acquainted with my head and heart than that document. I'm about to read it to my wife. If she agrees with it given what she knows about me and my past, I think I've got a real resource from which to work.

Lastly, I appreciate the focus on relationship. I'm not a big relational person outside my immediate family - INTP...what can I say, right? But I want to be. Given what I have seen in the faculty and insight they have shared with me, I know I am in a place that will not let me lose the relationship in the academics.

I look forward to the journey and I praise God that He held me still long enough to get me to COGTS. May your journey be blessed, challenging and life-changing.

Kevin

[Daniel Oscar ()]

Dear Instructors:
James P. Bowers, Ph.D.
Cheryl Johns, Ph. D.
Douglas Slocumb, D.Min.
J. Randolph Turpin, D.Min.

Thank you so much for all the knowledge, tools and skills you put together to make  so meaningful the online experience of this course for us the students. May God bless you abundantly.

Wao!!! Randy, I'm so impressed respect your professional, innovative and responsible spirit. May God open more and more doors for your ministry.

Daniel

[stev]

This course has revived old wells of God’s faithfulness and grace.  God is involved in our lives and He is working out His purpose, turning even what was meant for evil into good. The assessment thought me a lot about myself and my calling.  I am thankful to our professors Dr. James P. Bowers, Dr. Cheryl Johns, Dr. Douglas Slocumb, and Dr. J. Randolph Turpin. You are all doing a great job that can only be measured by eternity; making and equipping leaders to impact the kingdom of God. May the blessings and favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be always upon your lives and ministry. Best wishes to every one it was wonder reading you post and looking at things from each person perspectives.

[stev]

Dear Pastor Don, I agree with you that this course has given us a greater understanding of what to expect on our journey, I also enjoyed reading your posts. May the blessings of the Lord be upon your life and ministry.

[stev]

Dear Emily, I enjoyed reading your posts, looking forward to having your team at City Vision this July.

[Alex Madincea]

This course was wonderful for me, taking into consideration that this was my first class at the Seminary. I can definitely say that it helped me to get acquaintance with the online environment and the Seminary curriculum.
The practicality of the instructors made this course easier for me. The responses of my classmates were really helpful for me, and determine me multiple perspectives regarding a topic.
The idea with the blogg for this course was great. It really made our work easier.

God bless us everyone!

Alex-Sebastian Madincea

[Jason Sharpe]

This class has truly challenged me to find out about what kind of learner I am, about where I am at in my spiritual journey, and about what I need to work on in order to further develop my ministry.  I have learned how to relate better to all different types of people and I truly believe that it will help my ministry as I move forward.  Thanks to all who have shared throughout this class as it has been a unique class in the fact that we all have different styles and ways but we together it makes our knowledge base some much wider.  Thanks to all who have shared and look forward to continuing our journey together.  

[Jason Sharpe]

I agree Emily this has been one of the easiest classes to follow because of the format and has been very easy to access our assignments and turn our reports in.  Thanks Dr. Turpin for the great work to make it easier on us.  

[Scott Skeens]

So far, I have enjoyed this class the most.  I guess it is because of the interaction through online and seeing you face to face at the retreat.  I have admired the way each of you have shared your deepest thoughts and your heartfelt feelings.  It has truly strengthened me along the way.  How can I say "thank you" to Dr. Turpin, Dr. Bowers, Dr. Slocumb, and Dr. Johns.  Each of you have demonstrated a true and genuine passion to enrich our future and ministry.  Thank you for investing and believing in me.  Dr. Turpin, I appreciate your willingness to change the chart of the course by creating this wonderful way of navigation on the website.  You have given an example of how a leader must change things in mid stream to make ministry more productive.  I think I will miss seeing 'Received, thank you'.  To all the students, you are Ambassadors of the kingdom.  
Keep following the plans and visions God has for each of you, and may we always continue to be learners of the Word as we faithfully serve one another and minister the gospel to the lost.  God bless, and I will see you here, there or in the air. I believe in you!

[Scott Skeens]

Chad,
Keep telling and sharing your story. You have a great story to tell.
Blessings...

[Scott Skeens]

Jason,
The Lord is shaping you well.  You will be more effective in your ministry to young people.  The learning styles is where it all started to turn for me.  This is the season to pour into the generation God is raising up to impact America.  You are a key role in developing the future leaders of the church.  Blessings...

[Scott Skeens]

Alex,
Blessings and God speed in your endeavors through Seminary life.

[Scott Skeens]

Praise the Lord, He has revived the old wells in your journey.  So glad you were greatly impacted through this course.
Blessings...

[Scott Skeens]

Pastor Don,
You are a man after God's own heart.  Keep trusting Him daily for the journey He is taking you on.  I believe in you my friend.  
Blessings...

[Scott Skeens]

Well said Daniel.  Blessings to you and your ministry.

[Scott Skeens]

Brother Kevin,
What wonderful insight you give, that really touches the heart strings.  I think that is incredible, you want to send you profile for a ministry opportunity.  You will probably get alot of us thinking on those lines.  I enjoyed that day at the retreat riding in the car to Walmart and hearing what God is preparing in your life.  Keep trusting in Him, He never fails us.
Blessings...

[Scott Skeens]

Pastor Brian,
I too, was uplifted with meeting my brothers and sisters in the family of God.  What variety and diversity there is in this work of the ministry.  It is difficult to keep in constant touch with everybody.  I appreciate your ministry and the calling upon your life.
I believe in you.
blessings...

Looking back the journey was interesting and revealing. It was interesting confronting myself and trying to better understand who I am and the way I relate to others. The assessments were beneficial in that regards. The assessments provided pertinent information that was insightful to how I learn and function best. They also provided understanding of my growth areas that I must continue to work on. I think the journey was by far a revealing one as well. Through the “my story and the Christian story” I became aware of how my experiences were all along a part of the divine plan of God. It made me better understand the way I do ministry. It made me stop and think about the people who contributed to my life in one way or another. Just the ability to write out my story was beneficial. I was greatly helped in many ways.

[erichandem]

I have enjoyed you Dr. Turpin and all of you students. We have learned from each other, shared stories and are in this journey together.  If you need anything, let me know and God Bless!
Erich