The Journey

As I prepare to begin this journey into the professional academic world, I enter with a great deal of excitement and a hunger that may never be quenched. I have always had a deep hunger for knowledge and understanding. Since childhood, my mother always told me that I was inquisitive. If there was something I did not understand, I had to find out... Always. I have always felt empowered when I've learned something new, but with those feelings I have been met by a certain humility. I used to think I understood a great deal about religion and faith, especially since I am a pastor who was licensed or ordained at a young age. Seminary taught me how little I actually knew. It humbled me in a way that I appreciate so much. The experience of working toward my Master of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary changed my life. I was confronted with ideas I never heard, and eventually realized that some of the things I used to swear by, I no longer believed. A troubling and exciting reality, for sure!

Here I am today... Beginning what I will call "The Journey." My theological life looks completely different, I'm pursuing something I never could have imagined I would desire to, and I am in completely unfamiliar territory. I do not yet know "the language" of a Ph.D. program. I would rather sit on the couch and watch tv than read (sometimes). There is a lot I don't know. However, amid all of my feelings of inadequacy I have a confidence that dominates the mixture of my emotions. Somehow I have assurance that I am right where I am supposed to be. Somehow I know that I will flourish in this program, and contribute significantly to scholarly conversations. Somehow I know that God, in all of her/his wisdom, has a plan for me to be here. A plan that will, hopefully, give me the opportunity to make a difference in this world.

That said, I welcome you to The Journey. Join me as I disclose, question, challenge, observe, and above all, grow. This should be fun!