Iliff School of Theology

Well it's about time I got to writing about my visit to Denver! I feel awful for the delay- starting school was whirlwind! But it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy my time there. In fact, it was quite the opposite. My trip to Iliff School of Theology was great!

This particular visit was a different experience than what the others have been like because of both length and activity. I got a little bit of everything!
During my visit at Iliff, I was beyond blessed to be able to experience so many different parts of their school community. The time I spent in conversation with faculty and staff was the most precious to me.
"What is it that you're looking for in a seminary?"
FIVE different people asked me this question.
And while it seems like a typical question, especially for someone who's been visiting all of these schools, I don't think I've ever really sat down and made a list of the things I want, need, or desire in the seminary I choose. Sometimes the best answers come when you're put on the spot. I heard myself say that I'm looking for a place that feels like home; for a place where I feel like it's okay to be me, the way that I am day in and day out. But I followed that up by saying that it's important to me that I be challenged in a way that isn't compromising to myself but instead favors and aids the growth of my soul and ministry.
Just to scratch the surface...
The more time I spent in Iliff's building (and it was a substantial amount of time) the more I found that this was a place that could become home to a person of any background, of any religion or faith,  any point in life.

Social Justice.
This is Iliff's "thing."
They are passionate about it, they recognize the need for it, they LIVE it.
Not only that but they teach all about it.
Their Master of Arts in Social Change degree program is impressive for many reasons.
It allows those who seek change to develop their call more fully by facilitating in the education that allows them to reach the marginalized people of society. While this is most definitely a program for those following calls into ordained ministry, it is also perfectly fit for those who desire to be lay people or even for people who have no involvement in a religious institution.
Recently, Dr. Jenny L. Whitcher took over the program and has begun to really reach those who have a heart for this kind of work. When I sat down with her, not only was I able to gain a better understanding of what the program would entail, but I also learned just how important it is to have degree programs like this. She reminded me how important it is to really search deep within yourself to find what it is that motivates us to make a change and then to let the fuel our journey.
I can't say enough good things about this degree- check it and the others, out for yourselves!
 
My first day at Iliff, I was invited to sit in on the 3-hour long class on Jesus, John, & Social Change, led by Dr. Ann Brock (who got one of her many degrees at Trinity Lutheran Seminary right here in Columbus!) This class was fascinating and informative. It was a discussion-based class with great creative ideas. And when one classmate disagreed with another, they spoke their hearts, agreed to disagree, and moved forward.
A side-note and a piece fun-fact for all of you Lost fans out there:
Desmond plays Jesus in the short series, "The Gospel of John"...so awesome!
Okay, moving on!

Since it was the Summer time I wasn't able to experience a chapel service at Iliff so instead I spoke with the person who helps to coordinate it all, Dr. Cathy Kelsey. She told me how flexible the services can be and how they really encourage student and staff involvement. Sounds great to me!
Again, I was so privileged to be able to sit down in length with her to hear her story and her passions. Listening to Dr. Kelsey speak of what led her here today was inspiring. She told me that eventually she learned that sometimes all you can do is just follow the Joy, and you'll end up where you're supposed to be.

Next on my list of people I was meeting in those few days was Vince Tango who heads up the online program. I couldn't find an exact link for y'all to check out everything that particular program entails but if you contact someone in admissions, they'd be happy to let you know. I was told however that it is one of the best online seminary educations you can find out there and if Iliff is the place you, but it might be too far away, consider it and think about whether or not an online education is the right fit for you. During my talk with Vince, I found myself being really open. I told him of my worries about ministry, how sometimes I question my call or what it will look like. He reminded me that calls change; that at different points in our lives we have different purposes but that it's not unusual for those purposes to take on new shapes. As crazy as it may sound, this thought never crossed my mind. In my head, I was locked into this box of what I have come to believe my call to be but he helped understand that it's okay and it's even a good thing to have a call evolve.

The rest of staff was wonderful. I cannot say enough GREAT things about Marcia Meier (more on her later ;) ) and Larry Gulledge was a wonderful tour guide through the building.
Since adding to their newly furnished and renovated building, Iliff has become even more beautiful.
Check out these beauties:

Just a shout out to my retreat buddies- The Jigsaw Gang! <--not as scary as I make us sound ;)
We made the trip to John Wesley Ranch for a mini-retreat that was absolutely lovely.

We spoke of what our hearts felt, we laughed with joy and we rested with peace.
We became a community in the weekend and it was such a great time!

As you can tell, no matter where I went with any part of the Iliff community, I learned some kind of new and important lesson. Whether that be because I was in search of them, because they were waiting for me to learn them, whatever it may be, I was open and willing to listen to the ways God wanted to speak to me.
This doesn't happen to just me. I hear the fantastic stories and I saw the relationships that had been formed among the Iliffians- it's there for everyone, you just have to go get it.
Iliff is a place for those who are eager to see a change in the world.
It's a place who crave diversity among religions and people, who are accepting of that diversity.
It's a place where community is made and it is a place that God's kingdom is made real.

Iliff is a wonderful place :)

Next stop? (For real this time) The Methodist Theological School in Ohio in September :)