What is your label?

Ever since my college undergraduate experience I have had to contemplate whether or not to proceed with any form of ordination or licensure as a "professional minister" [if such a person can even really exist (see next entry)]. Having earned my B.A. in Theology and being in process with my M.A. in Religion (Missional Leadership) I well exceed the educational "requirements/qualifications" to be a "licensed" minister in the Church of the Nazarene. There remains something unsettling, however, every time I consider officially affiliating myself with any given denomination. To an even greater degree I find it problematic to own a certificate labeling myself as a "minister" (once again, see next entry).
Why do we insist on methods of labeling and categorization?
Can we not be followers of Jesus / teachers of the way of Jesus without "credentials?"
Why do we adhere ourselves to certain denominational tribes?
What labels are healthy or unhealthy?
How do you label yourself?
How do others label you?
How do you label others?
Please leave your thoughts and check out the survey tool to the right.

Emergent Assignment.

I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Religion degree from Northwest Nazarene University. The actually title of the degree is M.A.R. in Missional Leadership. Another version of the M.A.R. that I considered was Spiritual Formation. I have been very pleased with this program so far. It is much more progressive than what I expected from another Nazarene University. I suppose it would have to be progressive since we are primarily dealing with issues of cultural context and a missional approach to the way of Jesus within the scope of postmodernity.
I am especially excited about my current assignment. There is the possibility that my writing will be published in a journal as a part of a project conducted by our professor. My paper is likely to be entitled, "The Silent Historical Framework of the Emergent Church: Recovery of Genuine Wesleyan Theology in Postmodern Context." I will be reviewing Eddie Gibbs' and Ryan Bolger's book entitled "Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures" in light of Wesleyan theology (which I have discovered is highly misunderstood by Wesleyan based churches and theologians).

N.T. Wright Teaching.

I was not present for the first lecture given by N.T. Wright on Tuesday, 11.13 at Asbury Theological Seminary. The second lecture, the first that I attended was delivered on Thursday, 11.14. The lecture is entitled "God in Public." The second lecture to fill my ears and mind was a New Testemant Colloquium covering a brief exegesis of the entire, "turbulent" book of Acts discussing "a Jesus who is risen, ascended and highly disturbing." The links connect to .mp3 files for those who do not have or use itunes and/or an ipod (though I highly recommend both for valuable podcasts and lectures via the new itunesU along with some quality tracks from Iron and Wine, Coldplay, Dashboard, The Fray, and other high quality music). The podcasts have yet to be uploaded by ATS but I will include links to in that format once made available.

Where?

On Saturday afternoon I attended the ARTalum silent auction at MVNU. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and interaction and was able to walk away with a fine piece called "herb robert 144" by Clarence Adrian McKinney. I also purchased a mug molded by art professor, Jim Hendrix. Now, where might you find me? You might find me enjoying some rest and pleasure at some art museums and/or studios.
While mingling in the gallery amongst the creation, that on the walls and those walking around the room, I engaged in conversation with Dr. David Wilkes. He is a good and intelligent man. He asked me where I see myself in five years. I realized that I do not have a good answer to that question. All I know is that any plan that I make could be thwarted and withered into nothingness. Within five years I plan to complete my M.A.R. in the Spring of 2009, travel to Russia to complete the international adoption processes thereby increasing our family by one, and traveling to England, Scotland, and Ireland in the Summer of 2010. Where will I be in 2012? My answer is a question mark.

Spent.

Just when I think I have had enough for one day and am exhausted I get an extra breath and am energized and awake even enough to complete more of my academic assignments. My mind was renewed and many valuable thoughts were flowing as I posted to interact with my colleagues. While listening to Iron & Wine, I created a few images in Photoshop to communicate my thoughts with more clarity. Even through 3:03 a.m. it has been a good night of quality time between my mind and God.