This past week I had the opportunity to interview with the Central Christian Church
Scholarship Committee and I must admit that I was a wee-bit nervous. I know that they all know
me, but I was not sure what questions might be asked of me so, naturally I was a bit apprehensive
as I signed into the Zoom meeting. As I shared with the committee, I would like to thank current
Central Christian Church members and those who in the past ensured that divinity students, like
myself, have the opportunity to pursue a formal seminary education. I am honored to receive such
loving, kind, and generous support of my pursuit of a master’s degree of divinity from Phillips
Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Now back to the interview. The questions were not the typical, “so tell me about yourself” or
“why should we support your pursuit of higher education.” The questions led me to pause and to
really share a thoughtful, honest, heartfelt, and real-life answer. Following the interview, I hastily
wrote down the questions so that I may go back to reflect on them in the days ahead. Unfortunately,
I do not recall the exact wording of one of the questions, but it was generally asking me what I have
learned from or grown from that has been a benefit to the church?
Wowza! What a fantastic question!
Rest assured that I have learned many things, grown from learning new things and been
challenged by many things but in that moment, I went completely blank!
And then, I took a deep breath, paused, and leaned into the question and shared two important take-aways thus far.
First, Phillips Theological Seminary stands strong in the belief of using inclusive language. I must admit
that it has taken intentionality for me to change my word choices, but I know that in my intentionality
lies the extension of welcoming all to the conversation and gathering around all tables. The second
is the role of leadership in the church versus that in a corporate setting. Numerous professors and
fellow students have shared their experiences and ways in which to be the leader that God has
called each of us to be. Both lessons will be ongoing with intentional growth in which I hope not only
‘benefit’ the Church but will inspire and transform it. I know that there are many more lessons and I
look forward to sharing those with you all over the second half of my seminary journey.
Again, thank you to the scholarship committee and each of the congregation members for all
your prayers, support, encouragement, advice, motivational pep talks, for being interviewed,
proofreading and for being project contributors. Thank you for taking this journey alongside me. I
was reminded during my interview that I’ve quoted Mother Teresa on several occasions, so I leave
you with this closing thought, “God has not called me to be successful. God called me to be
faithful.” May we all continue to be faithful in all that we do.
Shalom,
Pastor Heidi