Divinity Journey – October, 2024
Kathleen Leigh Lewarchick’s Monthly Divinity Update
On February 24, 2024 (yep 2/4/24) I had a moment that many would describe as my “calling” to be in ministry. I felt this gravitational pull toward a faith life that would not only expand my faith journey, but put God (and others) at the center. It was both a moment of great clarification and great confusion: why me, and why now (in my mid-life)? I may never know the answers to the questions, but my calling persisted, and so I listened, because many times in my life I have found that listening to God has helped me to live a more meaningful life.
I soon applied to divinity school and after many essays, tests, recommendations and prayers later, I was admitted into the school where I had spent the past 10+ years as a visiting instructor nearly every year – Duke Divinity School. I started in August in a program that allows me to work and go to school and have already had inspiring and meaningful conversations with people of all backgrounds, faith denominations and life experiences.
What does it mean to go to seminary or divinity school? There are many answers and many perspectives, but here’s one that resonates for me: divinity school is the place where I go to learn theology and Godly wisdom, to challenge my beliefs, and to grow in love toward God and His people. It’s a blend of academic and practical field work that’s designed to help students become better ministers, biblical scholars, chaplains, and non-profit leaders, among many roles. There’s an emphasis placed on examining our world and our practices to help create better human experiences.
This semester I am studying the Old Testament and the role of theology as it plays in healthcare today. I am learning about spiritual exercises like lectio and visio divina that help me to grow deeper in the Word, and Centering Prayer which helps me to quietly draw God into my heart to listen for his divine inspiration. It’s a joyful journey full of questions, reflections, inspirational people and thoughtful acts. While I’m only in my first term of a four-year program, I can already see how my life and perspectives are changing and how I’m growing as a person.
This blog post is the first in a monthly series that I invite you to follow as your time, energy and curiosity permit. My goal is to give you a better idea of what one can learn in divinity school and give you the opportunity to ask questions whether you are new to religious studies or have been a scholar for years. I won’t have all of the answers, but I’m happy to have you on the journey.
In Christ, Kathleen
