10 Unusual Lessons I Learned in Seminary

As the day of commencement approaches, I feel it is appropriate to take some time to reflect on the many lessons seminary teaches. You'd be surprised by what you learn living with people studying to be religious leaders.Everybody has vices. The first time my friend Sarah heard her fellow students curse, she joyfully exclaimed, "Thank … Continue reading 10 Unusual Lessons I Learned in Seminary

Trinity Lutheran Seminary Calls New President

It's official! Today, the Trinity Lutheran Seminary Board of Directors voted to approve the nomination of Pastor Rick Barger as the new seminary president. This is an exciting time for the seminary as it looks forward in its mission to form new leaders for a changing church. One word that the nominating committee used to … Continue reading Trinity Lutheran Seminary Calls New President

In Defense of Doing the Right Thing

... even when the church is wrong. Earlier this month, the news broke that the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus broke fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Church of Sweden. The EECMY came to this decision after carefully deliberating the ELCA's and the CoS's decisions to accept same-sex partnered clergy onto their rosters. My first … Continue reading In Defense of Doing the Right Thing

What? Where?

It's September? What happened?! Where did August go?! Since my last post all the way back in July, I've been quite busy. On August 12, I finished my internship at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Muskegon, MI. That day, the church threw a party for me which included lots of good food, a slideshow of entertaining and embarrassing … Continue reading What? Where?

Confirmation Sunday

Last Sunday my church celebrated as 8 youth celebrated their rite of Confirmation. I remember little of my own Confirmation (for those who don't know me, I have issues remembering everything), except for my faith statement and that the only other person Confirmed that day was one of my best friends. But what is Confirmation? … Continue reading Confirmation Sunday