Carl
Carl and Kathy have always felt a clear call to pastoral ministry as a couple, and there was never any doubt in their minds that pastoral ministry included Anabaptist theological training. Kathy says, “Your credibility as a pastor only goes as far as your experience and dialogue with others has taken you.”
Carl has been taking courses for seminary credit in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the last five years. His experience as a pastor has only enhanced his experience as a student and he says, “Taking courses part time gave me something more to focus on outside of ministry, and it gave me new perspective on my ministry.” For Carl, being a student and being a pastor are complimentary.
“I kept discovering that I didn’t know enough. I came to school with a whole set of questions and problems.” Carl and Kathy moved to Fresno to broaden their family’s experience of diversity in daily experiences, and in theological reflection, but have also experienced a supportive, helpful community living on campus. “In Winnipeg, at Braeside, the kids (Joel (4) Kezia (3) Asha (3 months)) belonged to everybody, and at the seminary they belong to everybody. That’s comfortable for them, and unique to this place.”
Carl is pleased to be close to finishing his degree yet he says it may be the end of his degree, but not the end of his studies. “What you learn at seminary is not just theoretical knowledge. I can apply the things I learn directly to my ministry.”
Carl is an MA Theology 2008 graduate who worked on his program both at the Winnipeg, Manitoba campus and the Fresno, California campus.