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Pastor's Corner
In just a couple of days, I make a transition of
sorts. Here I am, on the far side of my middle forties, and I think
I can finally say that I am done with school. All the I's have
dots, all the T's have been crossed. I've gotten the email
notifying me that my doctoral project was approved, and the final bill
from the registrar, indicating I've paid off everything I owe.
That's it. I'm done.
I'll wear the silly hat and the poofy robe, and
process through the hallowed halls of the National Cathedral, and they'll
hand me a piece of paper that will formally announce to the world that I
hold a Doctor of Ministry degree. It means I can update my Gmail
signature tag to say "The Rev. Dr.," which will be sort of
neat. It means I need to be looking around for a Tom Baker scarf
that I might be able to use as a stole, being that I'll be "the
Doctor" and all.
But while it'll represent the completion of my
terminal degree, what it does not represent is the point where I'll stop
learning. It's one of the most significant aspects of the
Presbyterian way of being, that desire to be in continual growth, always
expanding ourselves and our understanding of what it means to walk the
Way of Jesus.
We describe our tradition as always reformed and
reforming, and as true as that is for our lives together, it is doubly
true for our own growth as disciples. We are meant to be in a
lifelong process of understanding and improvement, always trusting in
God's grace even as we recognize and grow beyond our current imperfections.
Of course, that doesn't mean we're perfect.
We just have new and improved imperfections! And so onward we go.
I feel this strongly in my own journey. Just
because the letters are piling up around my name doesn't mean it's time
to stop reading and learning and listening. It's one of the things
I prefer about the way Presbyterians describe pastors. Our role is
not to be Potentates or Priests or Regional Vice Presidents of
AmeriChrist, Inc.. We're "Teaching Elders."
Which means we bear the responsibility of
learning, growing, and sharing what we know.
That's something expected of all of us, to be
honest, as we help support one another through this life.
Peace of Christ, and Blessings,
David
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