My spring semester has just begun! A slightly longer week in the Twin Cities this semester. I’m beginning my paperwork for the ‘call’ (draft) process – creating essays for use in faculty approval process and materials for church call committees to consider.

I had the opportunity to preach this Sunday (2/11/07). I tied my learning from Mexico City into Luke 6:17-26. It felt good to have something to say, to feel compelled to teach something other than the sin/discipleship stuff I’ve been wrestling with. However, I think I’m getting close to feeling settled with that work too.

I have several things I need to post, stuff I’ve been sorting out as I write. Writing helps me examine my theology, to see if I can actually explain or teach the ideas I operate with as a Christian and eventually as a pastor. I got into all this writing, reading, reflecting, and more writing, because I wanted to see if I could stand back and look at my theology in this particular area and have any intellectual confidence in it, and also see if the Spirit might give me a sense of affirmation. My world was blown-up there for a while (some parts still are) and I didn’t exactly trust my evaluations of certain players’ actions, or what I should think. As a Christian open to correction from the Word, other theologians/pastors, good friends in the faith, I needed to arrive at some rational, faithful assessments of things that happened and what should be said (or thought) about them. I have that now.

But with a new semester beginning, I think I need to get these up and then begin the semester with a sense of finishing that work. I think I can be confident that I’ve learned what I needed to learn in that area (for now). Anyway, I think what I’ve written may be helpful, so I’ll post it, and then it’s on with whatever the new classes bring up.

Here are my classes for the spring semester, 2007:

Exercises in Biblical Theology – not sure what to expect here, but the two profs teaching it this term are a couple of my favorites. The books assigned look good.

The Modern Church – essentially a history of the church from the 17th century to present. My first time with this prof, she has a great rep as a teacher, but also known for demanding excellence in assignments. I wish I could enjoy that, but it just tells me this class will be time consuming.

Comparative Confessions – Just what the name says, we will lay the creed/confessions of other denominations side-by-side with the Lutheran church and talk about how & why we teach differently (and how much that really is and how much it matters???).

Matthew – highly recommended professor teaching a semester long examination of…

Church Leadership – one of the professors from Ex in Bib Theo, lead professor in missional identity for the church. Expecting some practical learning on leading/coaching a congregation.