Advice from Robert and Lovett

follow
Originally uploaded by scoxjohnson.

I have been messing around with my D.Min degree for TOO long..not making much progress at all on the program this past year, while reading voraciously in emergent literature and writing and doing a spot of teaching about it as well, as well as leading my-used-to-be congregation at Broadway along the emergent way. And now to d.s.-hood with what everyone says is a busier life. So at Annual Conference, a month ago (gee what a month it's been) I asked Robert Martin, who is the director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at St. Paul to "just tell me what to do." And he did, bless his directive heart. On Satruday night, June 4, 2005, as we sat eating at the Bread Basket Cafe in Columbia Missouri, Robert said to me (I may be paraphrasing): "Okay Susan,,,this is what you are going to do..." and then he said that I was going to focus on the emergent conversation and United Methodism as my project, and to write... a substantive work. So...then a week ago today, I sat with Lovett Weems at lunch at the Mexican place across from the seminary ... I was seeking his advice on Robert's suggestion, and the first thing I remember Lovett saying as we sat with chips and salsa before us, was, "follow your passion." I am passionate about many things...from my kids to the Cardinals to crocheting to the ministry possibilities of every church in my district. What Robert's advice was, was to focus that ministry passion for the next three or so years around this emergent thing, and to share the passion somehow. What Lovett's advice was, I think, was to make a contribution to those my age and particularly in my denomination, who need to know more about this.. Robert said to me something I am trying to keep in mind...that I will regret not doing this five to seven years from now if I don't. The voice of God perhaps? Methinks it may be so.