Yesterday, I began my first day of my last semester of class at Columbia Seminary.  Or, as I like to say, “my fourth year in a three year program.”  Heck, it may be my last semester ever in the classroom, but I like it so much that I’d be surprised. For inquisitive minds, here’s my last semester’s schedule.

Two Full Semester Courses:

Introduction to Theory and Practice of Christian Education
Prof. Rodger Nishioka

I’ve been a part of Christian ed all my life in one way or another — sort of what you get when born into my family — but I’m really looking forward to this class. It looks like it’ll be a great time of figuring how practically to apply some of the more theoretical stuff we’ve learned in seminary. And Rodger is just amazing.

Congregational Leadership and Administration
Prof. Jeffery Tribble

I haven’t been to this one yet, so I don’t have the syllabus at this point, but I understand this to be a course considering how congregations function — with an eye inward and to the community in which they are located. I haven’t had Dr. Tribble yet, so I’m also looking forward to that. And, hopefully, there’ll be some really practical stuff like how to run a stewardship campaign in a recession and balance the budget while still paying the pastor’s salary.
Four Half Semester Courses:

Independent Study on the Christian Funeral
Prof. Kim Long

After leading dozens of funerals in Scotland last year, and after reading an absolutely horrible article on preaching at funerals in Pastoral Care last semester, I’m looking forward to thinking more carefully about funerals, preaching, and song that are prophetic and appropriate witnesses to Christ’s resurrection.

Introduction to World Christianity
Prof. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi

This course is about “a new mentality,” exploring the movement of the Christian religion, and particularly the current state of Christianity around the world. We’ll look at the “demographic transformations” of Christianity and discuss interpretations of the Christian faith in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres. Sounds like fun to me.

American Religious and Cultural History
Prof. ???

I don’t know much of what to expect about this one as an adjunct is teaching it. It was Erskine Clarke’s baby (recently retired) and he’s proved irreplaceable, quite literally.

Paul Tillich on Sin and Salvation
Prof. David Kelsey

Here’s what I know: “In a seminar format we will read Vol II of Tillich`s Systematic Theology, The Dynamics of Faith, and selections from the New Being, a collection of his sermons.” And, of Kelsey, Prof at Yale Divinity, I’ve only heard great things. Tillich is both tricky and scintillating. Can’t wait!

So, as they say in Scotland, “that’s me.”  I’m going to try to enjoy my last semester as much as possible, much of which will depend on my success in the call process.  Now, of to read…