Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Starting the DMin (Doctor of Ministry)

Most of the blog posts from here on out will be about this DMin process and its impact upon my own spiritual development.......changes are a brewin..........

The day arrived to pack my bags and drive to Decatur Georgia for my doctoral work. We have a group of 12 pastoral leaders (some congregational ministers, some administrators) who are hear because we want to be. We've had a couple of days of introductory sessions, but are shifting gears toward the academic thinking that goes into this program.

My mates in this venture are from many denominational backgrounds: Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Quaker and Church of the Brethren (me). But all have a deep love for those with whom we minister, and a desire to further their spiritual formation.

And that is what this is all about: Group Spiritual Formation. What is that? Well, maybe I'll let you know next week. Really. What I know now is that it is about how we move together in our lives of faith, growing, deepening, and being shaped. Spirituality is under the clear canopy of Christianity. Not much room for New Age, or eastern practices here. Spirituality in this context is specific to Christ's Church and those who follow his teachings.

I'm here from November 5-17....missing my family (I just now took 15 minutes to call and hear their voices: Kurt, Turner and Bennett....my heart's desires)....but really really glad to be taking this time just for me. Selfish I know......but so worth it.

Nothing pithy or deep to add.

asgr

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