This is my McCormick Story...
04-13-2022
By Daryle Brown
Which McCormick tradition/practice/activity/ policy are you most proud of?
I think McCormick’s demonstrated commitment to the “… least of these” is something that I am extremely proud of. One of the great challenges of Christ’s church in America is bringing out the love of people, in people - to the building thriving communities everywhere, every nook and cranny of our country (and world). It is wonderful to feel that energy in every single class and interaction. I love this about McCormick!
What’s your most difficult in-seminary memory? What happened and did you learn anything from it?
A friend of mine was among the first to graduate from our Black Church Studies certificate program, and I was a witness to her hurt at the way her accomplishment was diminished by the lack of recognition MTS gave to her at the graduation. I started in that program and it could’ve been me. It was a very sad note in an otherwise fantastic experience orchestrated by the staff and faculty.
What is your memorable McCormick event?
Oh there were many, but the best was the Ghana Seminar Tour – Rev. Williams and Rev. Lindstrom did a fantastic job combining cultural, spiritual, and academic experiences over the ten days we were there. The learning was so rich, it will reside close to the surface of my memories for the rest of my life.
What was the most enjoyable book you had to read for seminary work?
IMPOSSIBLE! Moral Issues & Christian Responses was and will continue to be very useful, but there were many, many: She Who Is, Preaching as Celebration, Divided Mind of the Black Church, and others.
What was your favorable class and why?
Every single class offered new insights and elements of fascination. I have to go with Dr. Alisha Lola Jones class on Black Sacred Music – it was exquisite. Honorable mention: Emergence of Islam, Reading Darkly and both of Dr. Daniels history classes.
In retrospect, do you think the expectations you had when you were joining seminary have been met?
No, they’ve been exceeded. I had no idea of what to expect, but I am so happy we weren’t reading the Bible, cover to cover. MTS gave me permission to read, interpret, and allow God to speak God’s truths through the text. That is a beautiful gift!
What is your advice to the continuing students?
Is “do your homework?” too mundane? My advice to students continuing or initiating this experience is that every class has something to offer, and all of our professors have a mission to grow us. Take advantage of that. Be open and understand that the world needs you, if it is to become Beloved Community.
Any parting shot?
Thank you, MTS!
Photo by Aleksandr Kozlovskii on Unsplash
Daryle Brown, MDiv class of 2022