New Life in Charlotte

Already I've learned a lot about being here. The Lord's going before us. His preparations and provisions. Theology! Living in tiny spaces. And it's only been a month.

I'm going to have to take this at a turtle pace in order to comprehend and articulate well.

Wes is a student at RTS (Reformed Theological Seminary). He is beginning the M.Div program. The program requires 120 credit hours. He is taking 13 hours this semester. That's 5 classes which include:

Hebrew I

The Gospels

Intro to Preaching

Intro to Theological Studies

Leadership.

Some things I appreciate about RTS:

1. he will have 3 Hebrew classes and 3 Greek classes. I just think that is going to lend itself well to studying the Word later - and I find it super cool to "know" the language of the original bible?!?!

2. he will have 5 Preaching classes in all. I find that very thorough and well equipping.

3. his first assignment in Leadership was to take 4 personality tests (Spiritual Gifts, DISC, Meyers Briggs, Strengths Finder 2.0) - and students were strongly encouraged to invite their wives to participate. We took the tests together. We have a dinner scheduled with his Leadership professor in October. Dr. Colbertson is going to meet each student for dinner to discuss with each of them - their personalities - and their wives!!! So Wes and I will get to dine with Dr. Colbertson and Mrs. Colbertson and discuss our personalities. (can't wait)

4. RTS has done a nice job of including the women. There are 3 bible studies offered to the women - one of which I will be doing every other Monday night. The leader will be Catriona Anderson, one of Wes' professor's wives. How cool is that? She is Scotish and has a wonderful accent and inviting personality.

5. Chapel once a week for the students. The opportunity Wes has each week to sit and listen to a wise Theologian without being graded. I really appreciate that knowledgeable, encouraging break for him.

6. This unique time in our life - for a few years to take a break from life and be poured into. To fill up on the knowledge of the Word. And the sound, biblical teaching offered by RTS.

7. Each professor at RTS either has or does currently pastor a church.

The program also requires that each student complete a 1-year internship. Wes has begun his at Uptown Church in the youth ministry.

Some things I appreciate about the church:

1. They have a very thorough and established internship program. Currently they have 8 interns.

2. Each intern has a mentor and is encouraged to have a different person in the church disciple them.

3. The interns have lunches with the staff once a month - including the head pastor, associate pastor, Sunday school pastor and the 8 interns. There are topics each month which they will be taught. Every third months, the wives are invited - that will be in November and the subject for that meal will be family balance. Can't wait!

4. PUB night. The church has this once a quarter where church members gather at Dr. Kruger's house and discuss a topic and how it can be interpreted through the bible. PUB stands for "Promoting Understanding of the Bible."

Again, just the unique situation to be in a community of biblical scholars. It is sharpening in a refreshing and stimulating sort of way. I appreciate all aspects of what this means for us right now - from Wes studying his Hebrew vocabulary words to the level of theological discussion in Sunday School.

I am eating it up.

And I am very thankful to be here. In this place. Right now.

"For all things are of Him to Him and through Him."

1 Corinthians 10:31