Date: July 16, 2024
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive. — Howard Thurman
This weekend, I went and saw the play “King Hedley II” at the Edison Theatre at Washington University. The production was put on by St. Louis’s historic Black Rep and it’s one of my favorite plays written by the esteemed playwright August Wilson. The characters come alive every time. The play reminded me of one of the most impactful classes I had at Virginia Theological Seminary and I had many wonderful classes at VTS.
During my tenure, Riley Temple taught a course on the Ester plays of August Wilson. The course was not part of the academic curriculum (although it should be), but a continuing education offering from Lifelong Learning. The class included students, staff, and community members. In Riley’s class, we dived into the human experience and wrestled with life in profound and complex ways against the backdrop of August Wilson’s writings. We engaged in theological discussion that was transformational and helped me understand my vocation in new ways that even now invigorate my spiritual journey and make my calling come alive. I did not expect this class during my seminary experience, but I needed it.
The voice of Christ speaks to us in a variety of ways. Our seminary experience opens us up to a myriad of opportunities to hear and see Christ in us and in the world around us. I encourage you to find the hidden gems in your experience and be open to meaningful formation all around you.
As an alumnus, my wish for every student is that you find a class or an experience that stirs you. I hope you find wisdom that breaks you open and pours you back into the world wiser and more human than you were before. The church needs leaders who have touched life in intimate ways and who are open to transformation. The voice of Christ beckons you.
The Rev. Aaron Rogers ‘23
AAEC Member
Ministry Developer to Young Adults in the Diocese of Missouri
Priest-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s and the Vine in Ferguson, MO
Trinity Wall Street Leadership Fellow ‘23