Alums Reflect on How Theological Education Transforms
10-01-2022
McCormick alums reflect on the impact of their passion and vocation: “In what ways has a theological education transformed your profession?”
Check out what they had to say about engaging and trusting this transformational journey.
Theological education was a pivotal step on my gradually emerging vocational journey. When I began studies at McCormick, I felt called to peacemaking but had no clear idea of what that might concretely look like. Thanks to the Boling Memorial Fund for International Travel — and to McCormick’s willingness to let me plan a unique, individualized intern year! — I had the opportunity to serve with Community Peacemaker Teams. CPT is a multi-faith organization that provides nonviolent international accompaniment in conflict zones around the world. After I graduated, this internship blossomed into four years of full-time work with CPT. These years in international peacebuilding laid the direction for my PhD studies, and that in turn led to my current work in inclusive teaching and conflict transformation. I can draw a clear — albeit winding! — line from my McCormick education, nearly twenty years ago, to where I am today professionally.
Even more deeply, theological education transformed my profession by transforming me. McCormick was the first place I felt able to be my full self, with all pieces of me welcomed and valued. Theological education is not only about intellectual training and knowledge. It is equally, often more, about cultivating habits of deep listening, reflection and prayer, compassionate presence. Theological education reinforced my rage at injustice and my commitment to the struggle for reparation and change. These ways of being have informed each phase of my professional life since, and they continue to shape how I show up today in the office and classroom.
Dr. Sarah MacDonald, M.Div. 2007
During the pursuit of the Master of Divinity Degree at Memphis Theological Seminary, I discovered that I had unconsciously perceived that the “Church” was established and evolved outside of “worldly” forces. To recognize the depth of the influence of the environment on the “Church” as well as the “Church’s” positive and negative influence on the world provided me with a new and fresh lens for study! This knowledge was essential as I entered the Ecumenical Doctoral Program at McCormick Theological Seminary.
I chose to study Cross Cultural Ministries as it was known at that time. In that program, I had the opportunity to engage in conversation with students from many countries (female and male) of diverse cultures, traditions, ages, and castes. Students shared their opinion of the United States. A woman from Nigeria was mesmerized that water flowed in abundance by simply turning the handle on a facet. A woman from Tanzania talked about the position of women in that society. A woman from the old Soviet Union of Russia shared that as a teenager her faith community had to worship in secret. A man from Sudan said missionaries came with the idea that they knew exactly what the Sudanese needed. A Korean woman warily described oppression. As a result of these conversations, my ear to hear was refined; my spiritual eye grew sharper. I had an epiphany, to these students, we were “the others”! Commentaries and analyses are the opinions of others! I was liberated to agree or disagree with the scholarship of even the most learned. For me, God’s voice is the final resolution to any controversial text or opinion. My constant aim is to see and respond as Elohim to the divine creation with love, justice, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Sarah MacDonald
M.Div 2007
Dr. Mary Sanders