I actually stumbled across your blog a few months ago. I'm considering the possibility of enrolling in the DMin program through Denver Seminary/BGU so I've found your reflections on the BGU coursework to be helpful.

First, welcome to this blog! I look forward to hearing more from you, and also reading your blog in more depth too.

That's a perceptive question, and one that I wish I had a clear answer for. There are a few elements to the story that bring me to this place, but the blunt truth is, "I'm still working on that one myself" . I should probably make this a full blog entry, but for now, here are my thoughts.

I started out at Bakke in the Masters of Theology Studies program, and with a particular focus on spiritual formation. When I began, I was a church planter and wanted more grounding. I really liked BGU's missional church approach, and especially how they emphasized incarnational ministry – living and being with the folks we serve. But the urban focus was something I wondered if it would fit me. I talked to the registrar about my own situation, my sense of call to the suburbs. She assured me that I still fit .

Along the way, I moved from the MTS program into the "extended D. Min" program, which basically combines the two together. I also began working in the city, taking a bus and transferring in the heart of downtown (Pike Place Market, for those familiar with Seattle). I also discovered street photography, which I think of as a spiritual discipline (again, another blog entry in that one). I began to understand the city better.

I do still wonder if I am like a fish out of water, but I can certainly see 99% of what I'm learning applying in my neighborhood, but with a different spin. The greater Seattle area includes us, and the uniqueness of a bedroom commuter community makes my job of contextualizing the Gospel story even more challenging.

And the global perspective – well, that's been very helpful for me, as I discovered Benedictine, then Celtic spirituality, both of which have some direct implications for my neighborhood. I suspect Eastern Orthodoxy to have striking implications as well. But also, as my neighborhood becomes more and more multiracial, multicultural and blended, a global understanding of the faith will only be beneficial.

It could be that over time, God shifts us. But I am happy where I live, and my family is as well, so here we are, looking for signs of hope in the suburbs

Hope that helps with some context. Ask questions, please!

As alwawys, I love how you are thinking and seeing the world. Anyone who truly loves the city is alright by me…especially when they describe the city as 'her.' Keep going!