Not About the Degree
You got to love a school that is serious about improving a minister’s ability to minister within a congregation. Well, sometimes it is hard to accept. Over the week, my chairman of the dissertation committee for my work was out to Castle Rock. It was an awesome experience, as it was fun hanging out with him, and the family that was hosting Dr. Bland had a wonderful meal on Saturday night. The good news is that he was highly impressed with the work. All seems great at Castle Rock. He stated that it was an above average visit, and it was evident that Charity is loved in the congregation, my wife. Well, he did say that the congregation has really complimented me on my work too, so fortunately the congregation did a good job of tricking the professor. Anyway, thank you to all the Castle Rock members for behaving themselves so well and saying kind words about my work. He said that it was evident that we are loved here, which is always nice to hear. Now for the bad news, there is still a lot to do on the missional work in the congregation. Of course there is a desire on my part just to get this done, but he wants me work in the congregation. In one way, it is sad, I just want the piece of paper in one way, but on the other hand, I really appreciate a school that has high standards of excellence that Harding School of Theology does. It is not about the degree but really challenging and mentoring the minister to be the best possible. He sees that there is still room for improvement and development in me, and he will not let me off of the hook just yet. How sad, and really how wonderful, we are better people when we are challenged to do even more than we can imagine. This is one of the huge benefits to higher education, someone who has the talent to take you to the next level in leadership. So the degree might not come just yet, but the learning will, so I guess I end up with what I paid for.
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I’m glad it was a good visit that was both complimentary as well as offering constructive criticism. Dr. Bland always struck me as a person who could offer such constructive feedback without diminishing one’s morale, whether that of a congregation or that of a minister.