Each fall new cohorts of create students gather at Conception Abbey for orientation to the
program, times of prayer, shared meals, learning activities, and
reflection. Benedictine hospitality
welcomes us, and we get to know one another in that rather remote and peaceful
setting. This context is unfamiliar for
the majority of these entering seminarians, and the feelings of dislocation
open up the possibility for new learning.
The name of
the course is Spirituality and Creativity, and we focus on how the Spirit of
God will awaken the unique giftedness each has been given for the creative
challenges of ministry. A key objective
of the course is for participants to get to know themselves better, an
essential task for authentic Christian vocation. We also begin to sense the significance of
community to sustain lives of faith and service.
We witness
the graceful community of monks, where each is to be “received as Christ,” and
we strive to recognize the presence of Christ in one another, through the power
of the Spirit. Simply hearing one
another’s stories of God’s providence in their lives evokes deepening faith,
hope, and love.
New this
year is the Women’s Leadership Initiative.
Twelve women constitute this cohort, and the life experiences and
ministry goals are impressive. Some are
writers; some are pastoral leaders; some will devise new ways to minister to
women; some will pursue chaplaincy; and, some will pursue the academic life.
These women are passionate about being agents of transformation, and I believe
they will be a force for change! [It doth not yet appear what these women will
accomplish!]
Based in
Nashville, this cohort will convene at Scarritt-Bennett Center, a hub for
educational programming. Formerly a
college in the Methodist tradition, the Center is forging partnerships that
focus on the empowerment of women, racial equity, and spiritual renewal. Thus, there is a natural synergy between
Central and Scarritt-Bennett, and we are excited about a shared vision of
leadership development for women. The
CEO, Dr. Jocelyn Briddell, and the Director of Programming, Dr. Jackie
Halstead, spent the four days at the Abbey, strengthening our partnership.
Central has
a capable leadership team on the ground in Nashville. Dr. Sally Holt is the site director, joined
by Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed who will coordinate coaching and mentoring, and Dr.
Ircel Harrison who will oversee key dimensions of the program such as the
capstone project. How grateful I am that
the cohort will learn from these wise leaders!
And so
another semester begins. By my
reckoning, this is my 78th semester in seminary, combining the years
as a student and faculty member. I do
love theological education, and I give thanks for what transpires in the lives
of fellow learners as we seek God together.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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