Reaching the Joshua Generation

In April of this year, I heard Rev. Otis Moss, Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, speak to the Religion Communicators Congress. His message was straightforward, “You cannot reach a Joshua generation with a Moses sounding message.” Put another way, eight track ministries cannot survive in an iPod world. It seems the notion of how we do ministry in the 21^st century continues to be challenged.

As we endeavor to prepare bold spiritual leaders at Garrett-Evangelical we are moving forward to embrace such change. Here are just a few of the many ways:

• The 2010 Graduates are the first class to participate in the MDiv Plus program. This first-of-its kind program will allow MDiv students to earn a certificate in not-for-profit management from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. In addition, certified mentors will provide coaching for MDiv students during their first three years of ministry. More information on this exciting program can be found at http://garrett.edu/index.php/why-garrett/mdiv-plus.
• The DMin program is expanding with three new tracks in Congregational Leadership, African-American Congregational Leadership, and Spiritual Direction. The Congregational Leadership and African American Congregational Leadership tracks also connect students with Northwestern’s Kellogg School of management for certification in not-for-profit management. You can learn more about these exciting new tracks at http://garrett.edu/index.php/degree-programs-academics/dmin.
  
• The United Library has more electronic databases and resources for students, faculty and alumni/ae then ever before. You’ll find a complete listing of these resources in the Alums section at www.garrett.edu/library/.
• Garrett-Evangelical has made a commitment to offer 12 online courses on a rotation basis for three years, including some courses that combine online and on campus weekends. A course listing for 2010-2011 can be found at www.garrett.edu/DL.
• Our Development Office has been working diligently to endow one of the first chairs in spiritual formation among any of the protestant seminaries in the United States. This chair is being named in recognition of our distinguished alum Bishop Rueben Job who has been at the forefront in spiritual formation in the Church. To learn more go to www.garrett.edu/ruebenjob.
• We are also undergoing an 11 million dollar renovation of Loder and Lesemann Halls. Each dorm room will now have its own bathroom, all of Loder will be handicap accessible, and smart technology classrooms will be installed. Most significantly, this entire project is LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) with a completion date of Summer 2011. 

These are just some of the many ways Garrett-Evangelical is addressing the needs of the Joshua generation.  I cannot help but be excited about the steps we are taking to be a seminary for the 21^st century while remaining dedicated to our core purpose of knowing God in Christ, and through preparing spiritual leaders, to help others know God in Christ.
 

I am also excited that this academic year Garrett-Evangelical welcomed over 120 new students, our largest class in decades.  These students come with amazing gifts, abilities, and a passion for ministry.  Their stories are awe inspiring and it gives me great hope for the Church and for the generations to come.

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Shane Nichols is the Manager of Communications and Events at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.