Back into Teaching

I decided to do some substitute teaching while I await a call to a church. My first job was for 3 days in a severely emotionally disturbed class with 7 boys 3rd through 5th grades. It was a little odd to be in the classroom again, but after a little bit it felt very normal. It helped that I was at one of the schools where I taught so there were several familiar teacher faces around.

I had this kind of kid in my PE classes, so I knew that there were reasons that they were in this class. I also reminded myself that every child can learn. My 3 days with these boys served to remind me that every child can indeed learn, but you have to find the "hook" that will get them started. That is truly the art of teaching. The aides in the classroom remarked that a couple of the boys had done more work for me than they had been doing previously.

Every child truly can learn, but it takes time and patience to get to the place where they can learn. These boys, once you got past all the junk that has been placed upon them with medical issues, family life, labels from parents, teachers and kids, and self and can get underneath all that, I found that these boys was each a bright child with untapped potential. It is a matter of trying to help them tap into that resource within themselves.

A Privilege and an Honor

I had the privilege of participating in the ordination service of my friend Paul Burns today as a member of his ordination commission. It was truly an honor to be a part of this momentous occasion for a friend whom I have known since high school and with whom I spent many hours studying and singing with in seminary. It was nice to see Paul's family and celebrate alongside them as well.

Back from Austin

Okay, so Tim is right, my brain probably won't ever be straightened out, but it was nice to see people in Austin. Once again when I went seeking answers I came back with more questions. The questions I came back with will however serve to sort out where I might be called.

To the Seniors facing ords: Relax and take them for what they are. They are tests. If you don't pass, you can take them again, they are no the end all, you will still graduate. Review information so it is more easily accessible, read the question and answer all the parts of the question, and know that there are people praying for you.

To the Middlers: Enjoy your middler year. This is the year when you know the ropes and you aren't having to look forward quite so much. Junior year is a long haul with lots of new experiences. Take this year to grow in your relationships and prepare for what you will encounter in SPM and CPE.

To everyone else: It is always good to see friends and to have a chance to catch up a little.

Blessings!!

Quick Trip

I decided on a change of scenery from Norman, OK so I drove to Austin, TX. I knew it would be different. I realized as I drove in that this place was no longer home. Part of what made it home was my classmates, part of it was the routine of life as a student. Those have both changed. It still however is a place of refuge and comfort. I have enjoyed seeing friends so far and worshipping with 2 congregations that welcomed me during my time here. A nice chance to get away and hopefully get my brain a bit straightened out.

Top 5 Interview Questions I have been asked.

Here is my list of top 5 interview questions that have been posed to me in phone interviews so far in my search...

5. What are the 5 essential elements of a Christian Education program?
This was a question from the Sr. Pastor of a church as I interviewed for a CE associate pastor position. But there are 5 no more, no less.

4. Why do you think you would be a good fit?
This has been asked by every church to date. It is hard not to get a little defensive, but I have to remind myself that they are wanting to know what my strengths are and what I can bring to the church.

3. The gay ordination question.
Asked when I interviewed with Boise, ID. Knew it had to happen at some point.

2. What is your philosophy of Christian Education?
I felt like I was in the public schools interviewing for a job with this one. In fact, I think I modified my philosophy of education to fit and included the 5 essential elements, no more, no less.

1. Would you ordain someone as an elder if they said they didn't believe in the virgin birth?
Welcome to the world of not quite so black and white answers. Yes, the virgin birth is part of the creed, but is it the literal virgin birth or the understanding of what it means?

Bottom line - you never know what kind of question you will get.

What a Day!

Today marked the end of CPE! I passed. Some good evaluation comments and some challenges for continued growth as well.
I also had an interview tonight with Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, ID. This church caught my attention as they are interested in worship and are willing to have fun and enjoy worship. They are a church with a sense of humor and a church who want to have an impact locally.

I thought the interview went well, but they asked some tough questions. This is a church that is looking for a pastor with 2 years of experience or more and so several questions focused on what experience I had in administration and in pastoral care that would meet that expectation. I talked about my view of ordination and I brought up the fact that in someone is homosexual and celibate, they can still be ordained according to G6.0106b. They also asked me if I would ordain someone as an elder who didn't believe in the virgin birth.

It is still a bit of a stretch as to whether I will progress past this interview or not, but I felt good about the interview and that theologically it would be a match. It would represent a HUGE learning curve for me, but I think it would also present lots of opportunities for growth as well. We shall see.

Peace Out Yo!

Woo Hoo!!!!! I finished my last day on the floor...

Today was my last day of visiting folks for CPE. All that is left is Tuesday final evaluations, but I figure if I weren't going to pass my supervisor would have already said something about it. One more hurdle almost cleared.