Last week was “intensive week” at Duke Divinity School. Yes, I’ve enrolled in the 4-year M.Div.-Hybrid program where I’ll be on campus in Durham, NC three weeks each year (August, January, May) and then have synchronous on-line classes for the remainder of the semesters. I won’t be in an ordination track but instead hope to be a better disciple and devote more time and attention to serving as a lay leader in my church. I fully expected to approach these studies as I had with all other academic programs: with a serious intensity to learning.Something is different about this program and the people I’ve met. All the professors emphasized that this is not about being the best preacher or even the best student, but instead it is about being formed in the likeness of Christ and growing into our individual spiritual gifts. It may mean being the best at some aspect, but it is not a competition. They all echoed that their job is not to “inform” us, but instead to “form” us.I was amazed at the “
