Students write, "Why did I choose LTS and what is the program doing for me?"

Comments from Master of Divinity Students:

       I chose to attend Lexington Theological Seminary for a lot of reasons (rigorous academics and solid professional training among them), but what ultimately made the decision for me was the ecumenical character of the Seminary. ... At LTS, we have students from a wide variety of traditions, many with conflicting ideas about theology, practice and everything in between. The sponsoring denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has not only been a leader in the ecumenical movement, but has also historically avoided telling anyone what they must believe to be a Christian. Consequently, we don't agree nearly as often as people might at other, less ecumenical institutions, but the students and faculty stand on ground that can support thorough intellectual freedom.
       When I started looking for graduate schools, I was looking for academic rigor, strong professional training, and the intellectual freedom I had grown accustomed to at a secular university. I assumed that, if I was lucky, I could get two out of three. LTS, as it turned out, could offer all three, and that's why I came.
       --Alan Murphy, current M.Div. student

       I chose LTS because of the emphasis in field education. I have been able to learn in a church setting from day one. I also chose LTS because of its great location. It is, as you know in Kentucky, and the Christian Church in Kentucky has one of the strongest youth programs in the country. I also came here because of its strong Disciples of Christ heritage. By attending Seminary in a state that has a commitment to fostering the growth of the youth I have discovered that being a Youth Minister is not only my passion, it is my calling, and through LTS I have been able to discern that calling.
       --Kelly Dick, current M.Div. student

       Much of my life has been spent working with the homeless and those who have fallen on rough times. When delivering a memorial service for a homeless man who was tragically killed, I became aware of the calling of the Holy Spirit one more time in my life. I had felt this calling for decades, but ignored it. This time I let the Spirit guide me, guide me to this place, a place where all are welcomed, al arel treated with respect, and where the education is superb. The student body is small, and virtually all the professors know the students by name. The coursework is challenging, but the professors are very willing to help students along on their journey on this road in life. The atmosphere of camaraderie among the student body is exceptional. Even though I am an "older" student, I have found the acceptance of the entire campus more like a family than a school. Lexington Theological Seminary is the beginning of a new phase in my life, the beginning of new opportunities and experiences.
       --Greg Kupar, current M.Div. student

Comments from Doctor of Ministry Students:

       The most valuable contribution to my ministry from the D.Min. coursework thus far has been the opportunity to look thoughtfully, critically and prayerfully at my work as an Associate Chaplain on a college campus. I have ministered in the context of higher education for over 20 years and often take for granted the work that I do and the community with whom I minister. Class reading, discussion, and writing has forced me to do the hard work of really analyzing the culture in which I work and assessing both the strengths and weaknesses of my ministry. I feel renewed and re-energized in my vocation and look forward to continued challenges and opportunities as the D.Min. program progresses.
       --Rev. Anne Gibbons, Associate Chaplain & Director of SERVE, Lynchburg College

       The Doctor of Ministry program [hosted] at Lynchburg College is very timely for my ministry and the congregation that I serve. The opportunity for study, reflection, and then sharing the information with the congregation has been a positive experience. As a result, the membership is on this journey with me. This is only possible because of the opportunity to go through this program.
       --Rev. Greg Ott, Pastor of Trinity Christian Church, Mechanicsville, VA

       Based on what I learned in two separate [D.Min.] classes about church revitalization and the cultural context for ministry, we have started a revisioning process at our church. Following a model that we learned in class, we have conducted a history night, discovering our roots. Currently we are in the process of making plans for the future, based on needs in the community and the particular gifts and interests of the church members. Our church is gaining some excitement that had been missing for a long time and we feel re-energized for the work ahead. Without the guidance of the professors and fellow ministers in the [Lynchburg D.Min.] cohort, I would not have known how to provide this leadership in our congregation.
       --Julie Flores, Chaplain, Central Health, Lynchburg, VA

       Already I can tell that personal enrichment [in the D.Min. program} means enrichment for the congregation. More than just wanting to be supportive of my studies, they want to be involved in them. Several gave of their time and insights for a major project in my most recent [D.Min.] class, and already they are asking how they can be involved again in the future. This D.Min. is coming at a good time in my ministry for both me and the congregation.
       --Rev. Mark A. Benson, Pastor of Gordon Street Christian Church, Kinston, NC