Today in our doctoral programs, students in their third and final summer residency present their project thesis proposals for approval by VTS faculty. For their theses, students envision and carry out an act of ministry in their context that seeks to transform that place, to make it holier. They then put the results of that […]
This week as we welcome doctoral students, there are so many people and programs that make the doctoral residency possible. Faculty teach and mentor students, including full-time faculty and our dedicated doctoral Senior Lecturers. Many offices across VTS contribute to the residency as well. AASL, IA, and the Dean’s Office have all been involved in […]
During the doctoral summer intensive, we will have worship Monday through Friday at noon in the Immanuel Chapel. We have Eucharist on Mondays and Fridays, while Tuesday through Thursday are noonday prayer. Given the interdenominational representation of VTS doctoral programs, services will draw from a number of denominational traditions. All are welcome, please join us! […]
Today we welcome on our campus VTS doctoral students for their annual summer residency. People often ask what makes VTS doctoral programs distinct, especially compared with other Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Doctor of Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.) programs. In addition to our curriculum which focuses around three tracks—Ministry Development, Educational Leadership, and Christianity Spirituality—there are […]
This week’s Commentaries have been written by members of the AAEC (Alumni Association Executive Committee). For Commentary readers unfamiliar with AAEC’s work, here is some brief information about their role and activities. The AAEC is the elected executive body of the Alumni Association of Virginia Theological Seminary. As all VTS alumni are members […]
As I look back at my time at VTS, I feel grateful for my experience as a seminarian. Now, as an alum, I am grateful to be on the AAEC. It has been quite a journey from postulant to alum. After being made a postulant, I was concerned about finding a seminary that would […]
“You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor.” From The Examination, Ordination to the Priesthood, Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 531 After 34 years of ordained life as a priest, and belonging to a lot of […]
When one is preparing for their seminary journey, spiritual formation and excelling at one’s academic work are top priorities for the incoming seminarian. They leave the comforts of their homes, their sponsoring parishes, and their dioceses and make a new home at VTS with the commitment to do very well in these endeavors. But […]
As I watched graduation online last month, I was reminded of my own graduation in 2008. Having been in parish ministry for 15 years I still value the formation I experienced on our beloved holy hill. The voices of professors still ring in my ears and not just their lectures but also their subtle […]
I love the story in Genesis where Abraham tries to convince God not to destroy Sodom. He’s basically haggling with God (Gen 18:22–33), right? But I love how the story shows us that God doesn’t expect huge numbers to be happy. This is important to keep in mind because we sometimes tend to think that […]