Advice To the Graduates

Dearest pigeons,

Do not imagine for a moment that although you stand with a fresh M.Div. in your hand that you have completed your theological education.

You have concluded the portion where you learn from what esteemed people have to teach about ministry.
Now, if you are lucky enough, you will learn what God has to teach you through the people with whom you will do the work of ministry.
The learning is much harder, the evaluations hard to decipher, and the A papers will never be read by anyone else in the world but you and the one person you managed to minister well to that day.

All the more humbling is the fact that you will receive a paycheck for this continuing education, which will seem at times to be an outrage, given how often you feel that you fail.

This is God’s classroom. You have consented with all your heart, mind, strength and soul to be enrolled in it forever, with you every waking thought and breath.

Kisses of peace to all of you, magnificent messes, you who minister.
And much love from another magnificent mess who ministers, xoxxo PB

One Reply to “Advice To the Graduates”

  1. So beautifully written. I wish I had read that, or something like it, when I was a newly-minted MDiv.

    Kiss of peace to you, xo

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