An Open Love Letter about Seminary TeachingDr. Nancy R. Howell, Professor of Theology and Philosophy of Religion and Oubri A. Poppele Professor of Health and Welfare Ministries
Now that I’ve returned to the faculty and full-time teaching, I must tell you how exciting this fall semester at Saint Paul is! My privilege this term is teaching students in the entering class using both face-to-face video conference technology and online course modules. The eagerness, inquisitiveness, and energy of both new and returning students in the Introduction to Ministry course is palpable. Student engagement with learning clearly witnesses to their faithfulness, to their calls, and to their commitment to sound preparation for diverse ministries.
In the days of traditional classroom teaching, I used to see students for a few hours each week, but now the students and I are typically in communication all week and in different ways. By email and in passing conversations, students tell me about their reactions to course reading assignments, which range from topics such as ministry identity of pastors to the practice of Christian spiritual disciplines. I hear about students being moved to tears, discovering new things about themselves, and seriously wrestling with what it means to called by God.
The blended video conference and online modes of delivery of theological education bring two different kinds of student interaction to the course. During the video conference class sessions, students in Saint Paul classrooms at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS, and at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, OK, interact with each other and with Rev. Dr. Victor T. McCullough and me, as he and I bring a teaching presence to each campus. In spite of the distance, the learning community works together to share devotions, process questions, hear presentations, respond to video clips, and talk in small groups.
When we meet online, students have the opportunity to engage in class devotions, read essays, listen to narrated presentations, and watch videos in preparation for online discussions and other activities. One grand surprise this semester is that students sometimes write three times (or more) the required work in online discussions—and with depth of insight!
Whether online or in video conference, students practice Christian disciplines in Spiritual Formation Groups. The groups meet face-to-face during video conference sessions, but use video chats to meet when we hold online sessions. The video chat and online sessions have accommodated even those students traveling out of the U.S. and away from campus during online class weeks.
The dedicated engagement of both faculty and students evokes a semester-long learning community. Dr. McCullough and I are a strong presence in each class session, whether video conference or online. The blend of teaching formats assists in meeting student learning needs and promises to create a life-long, supportive, professional relationship among a new generation of church leaders.
Upcoming Events
Exploration 2017
GBHEM Event for Young Adults Ages 18-26
to discern God's call to ministry.
Portland, Oregon
Admissions Director and Saint Paul Student Reps to attend as small group leaders.
November 14A Prospective Student Event
Both Campuses
Attend a class, participate in chapel, fellowship with faculty and students.
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