Seminary Update: July 2019

Today, I received my final grade for the Integration Capstone class: A. Thus, I am still on track to graduate in December. At this time, my GPA is 3.89, and I am hopeful that, with the class I am presently engaged in and the other two that I have yet to finish this fall, I may be able to pull that up to 3.9 or better.

Speaking of the other classes, I am presently in Week 4 (of 8) of an independent study entitled Power, Change, and Conflict Management. So far, we have covered a lot of practical tips for leading change in an organization without turning it into the Hindenburg (see pic). I will start the other two classes in mid-August with the intention of finishing them by mid-October.

The light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter!

Then again, I have also been seriously contemplating whether I would want to proceed to complete a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.). Up until the last year or so, I had never seriously considered this option at all. At this time, though, Wesley Seminary is offering two programs which intrigue me. Part of the allure for the one program is that at least one good friend is intending to enroll, and we would be able to continue together. For the other program, I simply think it would be useful in the next phase of our ministry at Debra Heights Wesleyan Church. This is because it is a doctorate in transformational leadership, and the next phase of our ministry at DHWC will necessarily focus heavily on developing and deploying leaders.

At this point, I have made no decision, nor do I intend to make a decision before next spring. Before I make a decision, I would like to make sure that Nicole has an opportunity to continue her education if she so desires, and I would like to eliminate as much debt as possible.

In the meantime, I am already shifting gears a bit. Yes, I am continuing to study. But I am also working to write more and spending much more time dreaming about the future: what does God have for DHWC? And I have to say, I am quite excited – daunted, but excited – about what he is sharing!

To be certain, he’s not done with me – or us – just yet!