Comments for A Wee Blether

Comment on What use is a M.Div. ? by Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:58:21 +0000

Hi,

My dad was a Army Chaplain for over 20 years. He loved it. He just retired . He would not trade his tine for anything. I am looking at ministry and trying to decide if that is what God wants for me but I do have lots of information about it if you are interested.

Comment on Review: Pros & Cons of my move from Android to iPhone 4S by Kim

Kim — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:22:48 +0000

Just one simple comment on the volume/vibrate point you made: there is a little switch above the volume buttons, if you switch it to show the little piece of orange, than your phone will go on vibrate. You can still use the volume button for your music, alarms and ringer (even though there will be none) while “vibe” is on. Incase you missed it! I didn’t notice it for about a month.

Comment on What use is a M.Div. ? by Weston

Weston — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:10:28 +0000

Just trying to summarize the blogs I have read: 1) churches do not pay adequately. Must seek another vocation in addition to the pastorate in order to make ends meet. To that end a marketable degree in addition to an M.Div. or vocational training is a big help. Seek either. 2) An M.Div. is useless to secular organizations.

bottom line: don’t be ignorant of what an M.Div. degree can provide for you. You need to be able to provide for yourself so prepare yourself accordingly.

This sucks. I am coming to the very end of my undergrad degree and am realizing that it is impotent to provide: a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry.

I grew up pretty comfortable: my mom was a teacher and my dad a college recruiter. Now it seems like I will have to either get further education or settle for poverty and job insecurity.

I was looking into getting a M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling but honestly that looks like it is just about as unprofitable as an M.Div. from what I have read. Basically you need to obtain as much licensure after the degree as you can and that can be a difficult process.

Honestly what about chaplaincy? I have a family friend who works as a chaplain at the local state hospital and she has been working there for ten years or so. Usually they require an M.Div. and sometimes two to five classes in Clinical Pastoral Education, plus two or more years working in that field. Sometimes however they consider a related undergrad degree plus ordination equivalent to an M.Div. on their hiring standards. The pay is actually quite good from what I have seen. Has this option been seriously considered because it does seem viable. Perhaps even more so than military chaplaincy because one would not have to train to be an officer.

Man, I’m 24, I have this degree and I feel like I am impotent to make a way in this world. I’m looking for hope but I am not seeing much.

Comment on Why "bi-vocational" is a dirty word by Dynes

Dynes — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:12:27 +0000

Thank you all for your reflections. I pray Gods blessing on each one of you. I am a surgeon and also volunteer some time to my local church. I see the need to help people who are sick and vulnerable, and want to offer something of eternal value to each person that I touch. I also love the local church and wish to see it in full health! Sometimes I feel torn between the two outward expressions of faith – time seems short, and resources so few. Perhaps there is only one vocation, that is to follow Jesus, but many expressions of that calling? Maybe it is up to each individual to ensure they are following their call, and we refrain from judgement as to the validity of their calling? We must trust that God has the bigger picture, and faithfully play out our small part. All for Christ, and Christ for all!

Comment on Twenty Eleven NOT Two Thousand… by Somebody

Somebody — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:26 +0000

So you’re telling me to quit saying twenty-whatever? The way you say the year has nothing to do with religious stuff or reminders that its been 2011 or 2012 years since the incarnation of God…. for that purpose, it’s a NUMBER.

Comment on Review: Pros & Cons of my move from Android to iPhone 4S by Memkin

Memkin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:55:05 +0000

Adam,
Have you tried the free app Waze. It gives you audible directions and also reports traffic problems that you may encountered on your route such as heavy traffic and speed traps. I have found it very useful.

Comment on Sex on campus, the campaign trail, & in the classroom by Round-Up – This Week’s Links | Launch Ministry

Round-Up – This Week’s Links | Launch Ministry — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:49:46 +0000

[...] Sex on campus, the campaign trail, and in the classroom [...]

Comment on Sex on campus, the campaign trail, & in the classroom by Adam J. Copeland

Adam J. Copeland — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:56:12 +0000

You’re welcome. Glad you found it.

Comment on Sex on campus, the campaign trail, & in the classroom by Jessica Derise

Jessica Derise — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

I love this, Adam. Thank you.

Comment on Bruce, Candiate for Moderator, answers… by on Denominationalism and Movies | Bruce Reyes-Chow

on Denominationalism and Movies | Bruce Reyes-Chow — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:28:33 +0000

[...] virtual interview I have been engaged with some friends, new folks and a youth group. Thanks to Adam Copeland, Bill Hayes, Mark Smith and the FPC Bend Youth Group for taking the time to post my responses. [...]