We’ve all heard the saying, “How do you eat an elephant?” And the answer is…one bite at a time! I guess you could say, at the beginning of this week I finished eating the elephant!! You see, it was a year ago that I started the Practical Church Leadership program through Dakota Wesleyan University. As a part of making time in my schedule for the “homework” and classes involved with the PCL program, I had to stop doing a few other things - writing the Friday reflection was one of those activities I let go of. Thus the reason why there hasn’t been a Friday Reflection for almost a year.
Anyway, it was a year ago that the PCL class began. I read through the syllabus and was excited by the opportunity to learn some new things, after all that was why I applied to the program because I sensed I needed to refresh some of my thinking, skills and abilities. So, I was excited to jump into the process, but I was also quite nervous, after all, it had been 39 years since I graduated from seminary. Could I handle this new adventure? You see, I was going to have to decide upon a project, run with and manage the project throughout the year, and then have a final presentation to my peers about what was accomplished through my project. Seems simple enough…right??!! Oh, and did I mention the vast majority of the classes and assignment work is done through the use of technology.
As the classes started and the assignments began to come due, I soon found myself becoming rather overwhelmed by it all. In fact, there was a time or two when I even kicked myself for having signed up for the program. WHAT WAS I THINKING!! But with the help of my staff, church leadership, the prayers of you my church family, and the encouragement of my dear wife I pushed ahead. And one assignment at a time…I made it through.
So, on Tuesday afternoon, July 15, I received my certificate stating that I had successfully completed all the requirements of the Practical Church Leadership Program. No, there was no cap and gown, no pomp and circumstance, yes, there were pictures taken and the applause of our peers as our name was read and yes, I did get my picture taken with the President of DWU, Dr. Dan Kittle.
Many of you reading this will recognize the name Bill Houk. Bill taught for many years here in Mitchell, including at DWU. Bill was a little bit irritated with me when I went to Sioux Falls College instead of DWU for my undergraduate classes. Well Bill, I can now say that I am truly an alumni of DWU!! I’m sure he’s smiling from the heavens above.
It has been quite the journey of a year. It has been a good journey. At times it was a challenging journey. I have learned some new things that will help me in life and ministry that is before me. Thank you to all of you for your prayers, for taking the survey and the other ways you helped me with my homework. I couldn’t have done it without you. We did it!!! So, now I’m wondering…what is the next elephant?? Whatever it is, it will be dealt with one step, one bite at a time!
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith