It is bittersweet to share the news that this summer Deborah Penny discerned she should retire from full-time employment at North Park Theological Seminary. Her last day of employment with us was on Monday the 31st of August. I understand the decision in large part. Among other things she will be spared the daily commute from the south side to our north side campus.
A big void will be sensed by so many as Deborah’s time with us comes to an end. I have worked with her for 14 of my 15 years at NPTS. In 2006, the summer after her seminary graduation, she began her work in Field Education with me. I have never worked with anyone for such a duration before and I personally benefited from her pastoral wisdom, good humor, hospitable spirit and kindness. Many students and faculty and staff were blessed by these same gifts. She had a remarkable ability to provide safe space for difficult conversations.
“God’s call on Dr. Penny’s life and the ways she has served NPTS has graced the community and will impact the institution for years to come. She is mentor, inspiration, and gift!” Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom
Her legacy at NPTS includes:
She was one of the first to learn and work with the IDI (lntercultural Development Inventory).
She had a primary role in developing our second Field Education reflection module (Cultural Competency Module)
She was one of the first to invest in and participate in our innovative presence at Stateville Prison
While working at NPTS she received training (in addition to the IDI) in the Enneagram, in Spiritual Direction and received her Doctor of Ministry at Garrett Evangelical Seminary. Her doctoral project wove together many of the before mentioned interests and skills. It resulted in some strong curriculum changes at NPTS and positioned her in the arena of Field Educators as one respected for her expertise in how to do the important intercultural work in theological education and how to utilize the IDI.
“The Reverend Dr. Deborah Penny has blessed us with her pastoral Art, her generous spirit and a profound ability to reach past barriers of race class and ethnicity all in pursuit of the beloved community“ Dave Kersten
I have “retirement” in quotes as I envision Deborah being a pastoral presence wherever she is. I know that in her faith community and in her extended family and in her wide circle of friends she will continue to bless the people she encounters and be an authentic embodiment of the Gospel.
We hope to celebrate her time with us in fitting fashion soon. The pandemic stifles how and when that might happen, but we will announce plans when they are made. We also hope that we will see her occasionally on campus and that there will come a time when we can recruit her to help us in some of the ways in which she is especially gifted.
Timothy L. Johnson,
Colleague and Friend of Deborah Penny