FAQs

The name primarily is drawn from the second chapter of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:4-9 - NRSVUE)

However, there a other notable places in scripture where the idea of being made alive is mentioned (1 Peter 3:18-22, Colossians 2:12-14)

I started this blog to share my experiences, insights, and resources related to divinity school, theology, and my personal faith formation. I believe that I'll only be sharpened by thinking in public and sharing my thought with others. I also wanted a space where I could stay in touch with all those who wanted to support me, and provide support in return. Also, this blog could serve as a professional portfolio of sorts, which could be useful as I look for a call as a pastor in Christ's Church. 

Readers can expect a diverse range of content on my blog. This includes sermons that draw from my studies, personal reflections, and the wisdom of the saints. Additionally, I hope to share thought-provoking reviews that explore the intersection of faith and the arts. I also plan to provide Bible study tools, explanation guides, and other relevant resources that can enhance theological understanding and spiritual growth.

This site will serve as a professional portfolio of sorts. But, as my journey at Yale Divinity School progresses, I envision expanding the blog's content to include my work at school, reflections on field work, academic work, and other projects. 

Readers can support me in various ways.

🙏🏻 First and foremost, please pray for me and my wife, Dagny.

⚡️⚡️Becoming a paid subscriber is another way to show support, as it provides access to monthly personal update newsletter and the ability to comment and engage directly with me on this site. Additionally, readers can offer feedback, encouragement, and share my content with others who may benefit from it.

If you'd like to support me financially, but are unsure about signing up monthly, reach out! I'm sure we can figure something out.

⚡️As a free subscriber, you'll be alerted by email when I post public posts.

⚡️⚡️By becoming a paid subscriber, you'll gain access to exclusive content that goes beyond what is available to non-subscribers–this includes more personal theological reflections, additional resources, and exclusive updates on my journey of discernment. Paid subscribers will receive a monthly personal update newsletter that provides insights into my studies, reflections, and upcoming projects. Furthermore, as a subscriber, you have the opportunity to engage directly with me through comments, fostering a sense of community and deeper connections.

⚡️⚡️⚡️ There are two levels of paid subscription ($12 & $50 per month). They both will have a the same level of access to content, but if you would like to support at that higher $50 per month tier, I'll inscribe your name on a special page called "The Stone of Destiny" and I'll be forever in your debt!

Absolutely! I use Stripe, a trusted and secure payment platform, to handle all payment transactions. Your financial information and transactions are encrypted and safeguarded to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.

At this point, it is challenging to determine the specific denomination I will join after completing divinity school. I hold to the Lutheran Confessions because they provide the most accurate representation of theological truth and faithfully explicate the Scriptures. However, the church body to which I currently belong, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), has implemented restrictions that make it increasingly difficult for those who receive their M.Div. from institutions other than their two seminaries to be ordained as pastors within the LCMS. Therefore, I am actively discerning where God is calling me to serve. I would greatly appreciate your prayers during the process of discernment.

There are several reasons why I chose Yale Divinity School (YDS). YDS is a preeminent ecumenical school known for scholarship, rigorous academics, and commitment to nurturing well-rounded faith leaders. Additionally, the proximity of YDS to NYC provides me with the opportunity to engage closely with the vibrant intellectual and spiritual community it offers, while continuing to stay connected to the city. YDS also is home to the Institute of Sacred Music, which will provide me with the opportunity to study liturgy, literature, and music alongside my M.Div. degree.

My primary goal after completing divinity school is to serve as a minister of Word and Sacrament, in other words, a pastor. I aspire to shepherd a parish, fostering liturgical worship and guiding individuals and communities to follow the example of Christ and the Saints.

Additionally, I aim to engage in modern philosophical conversations, strengthen local communities, help foster multi-ethnic communities of faith, introduce people to sacramental and reformation theology, and further ecumenical dialogue, particularly between Roman Catholics and Lutherans.