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home. I couldn’t believe people actually believed in something as powerful
and perfect as the Heavenly Doctrine. And I knew that other people would be
relieved to learn these things as well.
“I had a history that led right up to my time in Bryn Athyn, some ups and
downs, but all the time, with every incident and thought, I was being prepared
to accept the ‘call’ to ministry.”
He decided to become a minister within the first two weeks of college in
2006. “In hindsight,” he says, “it’s a little crazy that I made that decision so soon
after arriving in town. But it’s a decision that stuck! I re-affirmed my decision
many times. First when I declared my major (Religion), then when I applied
to Theological School, when I became a candidate, and finally at ordination.
It sounds absurd, but really, it just felt obvious at the time, and has felt right
ever since.”
Among his key experiences in Theological School that affected how he
approaches the ministry, he lists:
• Mark Carlson’s Counseling classes which “helped me develop a sense of
empathy and put away my judgmental nature. Seek first to understand,
and then realize that maybe that’s all you’ll be able to do. Very humbling
class.”
• Experiential Learning and understanding the complexity of church
governance and pastoral presence. “The Academy and General Church’s
financial struggles forced me to confront a lot of my own anger issues
and learn to be proactive rather than allow myself to feel like a victim. I
focused my Theological School Valedictory on Overcoming Obstacles.”
• Practicum in Pittsburgh under his uncle, the Rev. Christopher Bown,
“showed me that I love teaching! I never expected that.”
• “In my final term of Theological School, I entered the Religion
Department as a long-term substitute, and it showed me that I
thoroughly enjoy teaching and spending time with high school
students.”
While teaching in the Boys and Girls Schools of the Academy of the New
Church, he has also done some pastoral counseling, “but mostly my job is to
teach and be a positive presence.”
In the classroom and chapel, he says, “I tend to fancy myself a bit of a
raincloud. I enjoy talking about humanity’s challenges and how we all need to
be honest with ourselves about how difficult life can be sometimes.”
His favorite themes are: reluctant prophets, dragging our feet to service
and change, betrayal and repentance.
He says he always has a positive message at the end, “but I think that life
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