Seminary can be a confusing place. You arrive as a first year student and are bombarded with, among other things, Introduction to the Old Testament. . . The entire Old Testament. . . In one semester. . .
As students continue there are many activities and classes to experience: Church History, Preaching, Biblical Studies, Theology, Chapel, community meals, conversations, debates, field education, student conferences and student council. These are just a few of the experiences a student can expect to have. In the swirl of doing, there is also the equally pressing task of discerning where and in what ways God is calling you back into the world after seminary is over. Should I be a Deacon or an Elder? Should I be a pastor, a chaplain, or perhaps work in a social agency? Should I work after graduation, or pursue a Ph.D.? These are often difficult questions to answer, and they require much time, prayer and consideration. For me, some of that exploration has taken me further into prayer.
As a Master of Divinity student with a concentration in Spiritual Formation, many of my electives have focused on prayer practices and spiritual direction. In fact, one of the richest parts of being at Garrett-Evangelical has been exploring different spiritual practices including Lectio Divina, Ignatian prayer, the prayer of Examen, writing a personal rule of life based on the Benedictine practice, and art as spiritual practice. We are tremendously fortunate to have a mobile labyrinth, donated by the class of 2000, which students can walk and meditate with during lent and at other times throughout the year.
There are also several courses offered at Garrett-Evangelical that explore the rich Christian heritage of prayer types, spiritual disciplines and spiritual direction. Perhaps the most rewarding practice I have discovered is creating art as a way of worshipping, praising and listening for the voice of God. I have been fortunate to be able to integrate my artistic practices into several courses including Art, Creativity and Spirituality, in which the daily discipline of creating art was a major part of the course. I have carried that into my field placement where I have created several art installations in our sanctuary that have, I hope, enriched our congregation’s experience of worshipping and praising God.
As I prepare to graduate, some of the discerning is over. I leave to pursue ordination in the United Church of Christ, to become a Spiritual Director, and to continue to bring the arts and spirituality together in whatever ministry I do. I am very grateful for my time at Garrett-Evangelical, and the support and mentoring of the faculty and my peers. The classes that once seemed so scary have become tools and a rich background on which to draw as I am sent forth into my ministry. I don’t know what the future of the ministry I am called to will hold, but for now, I will continue on the path I began three years ago—studying, praying and creating art—following God and serving the world.
Stacey Gassman is a third year Master of Divinity Student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
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