This Sunday is Vancouver School of Theology (VST) Sunday.

This brought to my mind my own seminary experience at Huron College in London, Ontario, where I completed my Master of Divinity degree.

It was not always a comfortable experience – growth rarely is. But I am so grateful for my time there, to be able to be challenged, to be confronted with my own ignorance, and to have the opportunity to expand and deepen my faith, knowledge, critical thinking, curiosity, compassion and skills.

Places like VST, like Huron matter so much to the wider Church, even if we don’t think of them all the time.

Places where folks are formally formed and educated to be pastors, priests and deacons in the Church. Where people learn, in community, in prayer, about themselves, about others who are different from them, learn about the history of the Church, of the breadth of theology, of the riches of the scriptures, about preaching, and pastoral care, and faith formation, and liturgy, and so much more.

However, theology schools are more than just for those seeking ordained ministry. They offer high-quality education and formation for everyone! Whether through degree programs, auditing, or public lectures.

I myself have been auditing some fabulous courses at VST, usually during the summer, as part of my continuing education time. 

I am so grateful for our connection to VST, for all the ways that VST supports the wider Church, and for the ways that our little St. John’s community is able to give back and support the work of VST in a beautiful cycle of mutual blessing that, I hope, points to the Kingdom of God. 

Thanks be to God!

CG+