Here we go again
It doesn’t seem possible, but it’s true: on Friday, seminary classes resume. This fall, I am enrolled in three classes: Christian Worship, Goal Setting and Accountability, and an independent study course entitled Church Revitalization Field Study. I have not had much time to examine the syllabi for any of these classes (other than to order books), but Christian Worship is set to cover a wide array of subjects relating to our worship of God. This is not to be confused with music; although music is a substantial component of worship, it is not synonymous with it. To equate music with worship would be to equate a tire with your car. Goal Setting and Accountability is a relatively self-explanatory title, and the Church Revitalization Field Study will involve me observing a professional church consultant assessing a church and drafting a strategy for its revitalization.
In addition to these three courses, I must complete an essay in order to receive advanced standing credit for Introduction to Theology. By completing this essay by September 1, I will receive credit for the course without actually having to take it next summer. The fact that I must complete this essay by September 1 is mildly frustrating. I had planned to spread it out over this semester and complete it by the time classes resumed in the spring, but a policy change at the seminary has accelerated this timeframe dramatically.
All of this said, I earnestly covet prayer this week. To be perfectly honest, as I write this, I am not in the proper mindset to return to class. Although my family has had some wonderful rest this summer, the last few weeks have been a blur of activity. The last two weeks have been particularly draining due to some unplanned travel and the passing of my grandmother. I am physically and emotionally exhausted. Fortunately, I serve a great God, and with your help, I am claiming today the promise of Isaiah 40:28-31:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.