Advise on Academics and Finding a Good Fit
Author: Alex Macias
Today is a beautiful day in Chicago. In fact, the weather is so nice that it feels more like late summer than early fall, and yet I’m reflecting on how this is my tenth fall semester at North Park. Wow. That just hit me.
In my role, I often talk with students about their vocational interests and try to help them find the spaces in their program where they can pursue the areas that give them life or fill the greatest personal need. Each time I have these conversations, or even when I put up the course offerings for the year, I think about what courses I’d like to take myself. What does wellness in faith communities look like? How do I take care of myself when I’m working with those who have experienced trauma? How do I talk with my kids about other religions? How does the ECC fit into the American Church landscape? I’ve got a lot of questions, and I’m a forever student. And I get really excited when a student finds a good fit.
Most of you will not spend ten fall semesters here (at least that’s the goal, right?!). Given that your time in your program is limited, I encourage you to remember what a privilege it is to have access to this kind of learning community.
Though you’re in the midst of midterms and next semester seems far away, registration for the January and spring terms is right around the corner on October 30th. Here are two courses you might consider as you think about January offerings.
JTERM 2018
CEDF 5100 Christian Education & Formation
How do we envision the Church as a learning community and what does it mean to be formed in the Church? This class will look at how the role of Christian education in the Church has changed over time, explore teaching methods and how to facilitate formation experiences, and consider how to encourage one’s own formation.
Who should take it?
This class is required of MACF students but is encouraged for anyone who expects to have a teaching role in their ministry or is interested in faith development.
Things you should know:
This is currently the only format in which we offer this course so make sure to grab a spot while you have the chance. This year it will be taught by Carolyn Poterek Dallas who recently joined the faculty of North Park University as Assistant Professor of Education and Coordinator of Secondary and K-12 Programs. Check out her bio on the North Park website.
BIBL 6360 Revelation
Why Revelation? Revelation, while important for eschatology, addresses the problem of suffering in our world in a deeper and more profound way than even the book of Job. It gives a landscape view of human history and calls the church to join in the mission of God to redeem humanity and remedy suffering.
It is simultaneously a call to prayer, to persevere, to challenge injustice and systems of evil, and to proclaim the never-changing but always challenging gospel of Jesus Christ in a dying world. It ends with the drama of God’s final solution to the problem of suffering and evil with the dawn of a new heaven and new earth.
Study the apocalypse… now!
Who should take it?
Anyone who is working in communities who are looking for hope while grappling with the suffering in the world or simply anyone who wants to dive deeper into Scripture with their general electives.
Things you should know:
This class will cover the major themes of Revelation, watch films, dramaticize scenes, interpret and read texts both in their ancient context and for the life of the church today. The course will be taught by Max Lee, associate professor of New Testament. Feel free to email him directly at: mlee1@northpark.edu with questions about the class or check out his blog to get to know him a bit more.
See the full J-term schedule on the seminary website.
This fall, consider the feast that is before you this semester and next. May you take joy in this time of study and reflection.
Alex is the director of academic programming at the seminary. This is her tenth fall semester serving at North Park! Her office is on the second floor of Nyvall Hall. Come by and say hi…and bring coffee.