All of the things I have learned while preparing to teach every semester here are waiting to be “practiced” in that local congregation.  These learnings include: new insights for Christian worship and preaching; fresh ideas about mission-centered, mission-inspired, mission-focused congregational leadership; and the rather curious “trinity” of discipling, stewardship, and evangelism, which have been re-formed in my heart during this season of teaching with you. 

As I look toward the future, I am so grateful for these teaching/learning opportunities afforded me here at MTS.  I believe they have served me well; and that is exactly what a seminary education should do, not only for students, but for faculty and staff as well – prepare all of us to live and serve in our unique roles as the faithful of God every day of our lives.

...that is exactly what a seminary education should do, not only for students, but for faculty and staff as well — prepare all of us to live and serve in our unique roles as the faithful of God every day of our lives.

Although I do say that I am “going back” to Canada, I do not really consider myself “going back” to parish ministry.  I have grown too much here at Moravian to return to former ways.  Instead, I feel like I am moving on to congregational ministry again, with a new vision of who I can be for that local community of faith, a new vision born from these years spent here in this community of faith.

That is why I feel so blessed to have shared this season of ministry with our Seminary community.  I have witnessed again, first hand, how vital a learning environment we have here, and how important and necessary our work is to the future of the church in North America.  So even as I prepare to move on, I encourage you all to carry on and continue becoming the theological seminary God imagines us to be.

For my part, I promise to make the most of the goodness and grace you have shared with me here.  And as the seasons change for me, I recall with gratitude these most blessed years in your presence.  You have encouraged the very best in me, and I will always thank God for you all.