Reflections on week one

I've been in this D.Min. course for four days now. I didn't know what to expect. Over the past few days, I've watched grown men and women with years of ministry experience reduced to despair, some more than others. Talk about humbling. Today, after class, a group of us sat in the cafeteria and laughed like crazy. I think you could call it stress relief. Haddon and Duane have been challenging us to take a text (a textual unit), and to really understand the big idea of that text. Sound easy? You'd think so, especially at the doctoral level. I've been amazed at how often we've been off the mark. Way off. Then, we've been asked to outline what we need to communicate from that text. A lot of us went right for shallow platitudes and the type of drivel that you expect to hear in church. Utter crap. As someone said today, "What I have learned so far? I've learned why I'm such a crappy preacher." We've learned that it's hard to think in a straight line, and we've also learned that we tend to be undisciplined thinkers. I don't think anyone has emerged unscathed. But there's hope. We're starting to see what it can look like on the other side. Haddon is one of the best communicators I've ever seen in action. Better, he knows how to teach others to communicate. I love that he isn't asking us to adopt his methodology or style. He's smart enough to avoid cheap formulas. Instead, he's asking us to be rigorous in our thinking. I've met some great guys. My roommate's hilarious. I've also met Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Community and Acts 29. My brain is tired.

Comments

[Bene Diction]

I genuinely admire your courage in going for a doctorate. Your tired brain makes sense, I pray your spirit is being renewed. Hang in there and blog on!

[Rev. Mike]

Dude, been there. Hang tough ... it will be over before you know it.

[kevind]

Is this a D.Min. course or psycho-therapy?? I've been reading your comments about the week (dispair, ripped to shreds, demoralized etc.)and am wondering what the 'purpose' is - to erase all that you have become as pastors so that they can teach you the 'right way'?? Wassup with that?

[Arthur]

I've been wondering the same thing. It almost sounds like "boot camp" to me. Intimidation and demoralization...to what end?

[Steve]

Thanks for the updates! I wish I was there! I've got lots of questions maybe we better hook up for some IM sometime? I'll be eager to hear your reflections on the experience as you move on from the overwhelming side of it!

[ed]

Funny, fun isn't a word that comes to mind. Although you seem to be getting some of that too.

[Darryl]

Steve: I'd love to chat with you. Maybe when I get back? This has been a little rough, but it's been foundational stuff. I'm glad to have been through this. Still, I'm glad it's the weekend.