The World According to Renshi

When people ask why at age 65, I am pursuing degrees in theology – particularly considering my lack of previous Biblical experience, I have been uncomfortable saying I have received a calling.  I certainly don’t feel worthy of a call from God.  But I am not uncomfortable saying I have developed a deep passion and love for becoming a part of the Body of Christ through learning, understanding, and hopefully providing insights into the church as Jesus envisioned.  I am excited to learn more about and hopefully participate in the post-denominational movement.  I have much to learn, but my preliminary hope is that post-denominationalism will help us understand our commonalities as opposed to man-made differences and lead us back to the church as Jesus intended in His prayer of unity. 

As I write this essay and contemplate my desire to continue my education in the Doctoral Program at Winebrenner Seminary, the more I believe I truly am being called by God to act on my passion.  In fact, I believe ever since the day I was saved, God has waited patiently for me to come to the realization that there is work for me to do, and now is the time to act.  The question becomes, what action does God want me to take?  My first thoughts when I began seminary were to work with prison ministries, and while I still believe that to be a critical need, I now believe there is more for me to do on a more global level.  I am currently researching associations and organizations that have an affinity toward post-denominationalism in the hopes of becoming involved in helping unify all of us as Jesus desired.   

My goal is to complete my Master of Arts in Practical Theology and pursue a Doctor of Ministry to be of value to an organization that is attempting to fulfill my passion for unity in Christ.  Organizations I have been researching include Ascent and its partner organization, the Ecclesia Network.  According to their websites, they are forming a coalition of churches and religious organizations for a common objective of unifying in the name of Jesus regardless of denomination.  I believe this is the direction we need to go as followers of Christ and where I need to use my talents and passion to help achieve their vision.