Seminary meme

Tagged from GoingtoSeminary.com here . Info:

This Seminary Meme is part of a competition sponsored by Going to Seminary and Eisenbrauns . If you’d like to be entered, simply answer the 7 questions below and tag 5 other people. You’ll also need to post this paragraph (links included) with your answers as the links will be tracked back to your blog and will count as your “entry” into the competition. On April 30th, 2008, one blogger will be selected at random to win a $100 gift certificate to the Eisenbrauns online bookstore .

Seven questions:
1. Where do you attend seminary?

Multnomah Biblical Seminary , Portland, Oregon. The experience has been life-changing.

2. What class do you think has most impacted your spiritual life?

Hard to pin down just one course. All have come together in a web of sorts, challenging us and the emphasis on character development has been key. Pastors almost never leave the ministry because of competency issues, but rather because of character issues.

All of my spiritual formation courses with Dr. Calvin Blom. Also learning from Dr. Al Baylis in biblical theology, learning from his wisdom in handling the Scriptures, and how he has taught and persevered through immense back pain (which we share in common, his amplified), knowing his limitations. It speaks volumes of his love and passion.

3. What seminary professor has been the most influential while in seminary?

Dr. Calvin Blom, professor of spiritual formation (3 courses thus far); and Dr. Dan Lockwood, president (one theology course) for his personal care and allowing us to be his theology TAs.

4. What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced in seminary?

Myself. My own impatience and prideful heart.

Practically speaking, it has been a challenge to find a harmony with providing for my family and being able to schedule enough courses to progress towards MDiv completion, and being mutually encouraged by the local church towards that end. Thank God He is making it possible.

5. What has been the greatest reward you’ve experienced in seminary?

Experiencing it together with my wonderful wife Kari , a fellow full-time student. The greatest adventure of our young lives.

6. What are your plans after seminary?

?

Pastoring and serving in the local church, definitely bringing a doctrinal emphasis to the local church, potentially church planting down the road. Perhaps eventually seeking a doctorate (DMin?) and then teaching at the college or seminary level after many more years of maturing, experience, and humbling.

Generally as a missionary to the Pacific Northwest.

All I know is our path involves suffering and future glory , not promised comfort in this life ( Romans 8:14-30 ).

7. How many times have you been asked question #6?

Too many! ( James 4:13-17 ; Matthew 6:25-34 )

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Since I don’t know very many seminary bloggers (other than Tyler who already was tagged) … I’ll try the most intelligent, godly (and beautiful) seminarian I know: Kari .