SOM 400 Intensive – Last Day

This morning I woke up earlier than Thursday, Friday or Saturday. I laid in bed for quite awhile, spending some time in prayer. There was a lot to do. This is the last day of the Intensive – the day of the Oral Panels. Also, since we were checking out at Noon, I needed to have my bags packed before class while leaving my “interview outfit” out too. After showering and starting to get everything together I got a text message from Valerie (my classmate next door), it read, “We have snow!!!”

I opened the drapes and looking out the window I saw:

The snow was coming down pretty hard. There had been a couple inches over night.

Since we were closing the Intensive at 5pm, there weren’t as many presentations. There other thing different today was that throughout the day people were leaving for their interviews. Mine was the last one of the day at 3pm.

The presentations that were offered today was:

Leadership / Teaching Adults – Rev. Mel Minarik

Rev. Mel offered us insights in how adults learn. Using an ‘Active Learning Model’, we as instructors can help the adults in our classes learn more.

Consciousness in Ministry – Rev. Dr. Sandy Jacob

Dr. Sandy gave us an opportunity to ask ourselves and discuss what we believe about consciousness in ministry. We discussed questions like: How do you imagine your life would change with the title, Rev. in front of your name? What things do you believe would prevent burnout? This and other questions encouraged a lively discussion.

Communication Styles – Rev. Betsy Haas

Rev. Betsy shared tools that we can use to communicate with the four different communication types/styles. Understanding the different styles allows us to more effectively get our message across to others who might have a different style than ours.

My interview was in the middle of the Communication Styles presentation. I made my way down to the room I was to report to for my interview. I was about 10 minutes early – so I paced back and forth – speaking an affirmative prayer and reminding myself to breath. I was nervous because I wanted to do my best. Other than that, I realized that I already knew what I needed for the interview. One thing that I had told myself as well was that the panelists were interested in me and my intentions for ministry and who knew that better than me? They were wanting to speak with me, not to judge me but to confirm whether or not there is a match between my calling for ministry and the organization with which they are entrusted. I understood that there not passing me was not a judgment of who I am as a person.

My panelists were Rev. Dr. Arleen Bump, Rev. Dr. Pat Campbell, and Rev. Christine Jeffers. After their asking me to give a treatment for our interview. I was asked a few questions – the first which was, “What is your intention for your ministry?” I was feeling pretty good until I got asked the question which I answered incorrectly on the written examination. “Could you please explain deductive and inductive reasoning?”

I went BLANK!!

This was a question I remember studying for on the written exam. The problem was that I would keep mixing them up. I began babbling… my heart started pounding and I sat there for a moment and the thought went through my head. “Oh my god, I’m going to flunk this for a simple question like this!” I then got mad – “I did not come here to fail and especially not over a question like that!” I still didn’t have an answer – but I came clean with the panel. “I have to apologize but I’m fumbling now. I know the answer but I don’t have the words to give you.” After them asking a couple of other related questions which brought me around to answering question in a different way (such kindness). Dr. Pat and Rev. Christine gave me a gift – something I will NEVER forget… when you are thinking “deductive” think DEITY (Universal to Personal) and “inductive” think INQUIRY (if this is true, then that is true…). I will never forget this ever again.

The closing finally came about. Dr. Arleen offered a closing treatment. Dr. Maureen passed out sealed envelopes that had our names on them. We were told to open them after leaving the room – if we needed to come back and speak with any of our instructors they would be there for awhile.

I rushed out into the hall pretty quick. I made my way to a table, putting my computer bag down and I opened the envelope. I read, “We extend our congratulations…” I began to cry. I couldn’t read any more. This journey has been a long one. Spirit bringing it all together at times I didn’t even know it was being brought about.

I know that this is just the beginning, but that is the life way isn’t it – we take one step and then another and before we know it we have made quite a journey. I realize there are more steps for me to take…today was one of steps. Many more to come. I am grateful for the journey and for all those who have joined me along the way.