June 18, 2018
As we conclude our conversation on what it means to be “fully alive” in light of our mission, we began last week by reflecting on the post that introduced the series. This week, we close our two-part series by sharing some of the highlights of our conversation.
In addition to the Irenaeus quote – “The glory of God is man fully alive” – a few key scripture verses inspired us along the way.
One of these was 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” It prompted us to discuss how the spiritual gifts we receive are from God and should be used for the sake of others. We challenged ourselves to develop our gifts and put them to good use.
Through a four-part discernment, call, and discipleship series, we shared articles by some of our friends and partners including Rob Loane of VantagePoint3 and Dr. Ruth Haley Barton of the Transforming Center. These words of wisdom lead us into another series of articles, this time with a focus on moving beyond preparing people for jobs. These five articles challenged some of the commonly-held beliefs about the educational process and why theological education should focus on developing people to live out their gifts. The series topics were gifts, ministry, calling, vocation, and passion.
Last, as we reflected on 1 Peter 4:10, we talked about how Sioux Falls Seminary serves the individuals that God places in our care. We released a video as part of the discussion. It highlighted the role that Sioux Falls Seminary and its students and alumni have within the community of Sioux Falls.
Perhaps, though, the most important part of our “fully alive” conversation was spent celebrating the many great things that God has done in and through Sioux Falls Seminary! As President Greg Henson said, “God has given our seminary financial, human, and physical resources that are to be stewarded as we pursue the specific calling he has for our institution . . . we thank God for the resources he provides through our givers, students, board members, faculty, staff, and partners.”
With Colossians 3:17 as our guide, we shared many stewardship reports—each focused on a different aspect of what God is doing with the resources he has provided for our mission. It doesn’t take long to realize that we have many reasons to give thanks. A few include:
At Sioux Falls Seminary, we embrace our role of developing servants for their participation in the kingdom mission. It is a privilege to use our gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10) and “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
We thank God for all he has, and is doing, in and through our work. It is so great to have you on the journey with us!