What's it like to be a seminarian here?

In some ways, nothing has changed. In some ways, everything has. Right now, I feel as though I am in a period of spiritual and theological deconstruction. Most of my assumptions are being challenged. My old ways of thinking have not been destroyed; neither have they been replaced, yet, with anything new. But the major elements have been undercut, and I am questioning things that I have accepted as givens all my life.

Having been a landscape contractor in my former life, I can appreciate the need to do a little demolition work before any new building can begin. And I can also appreciate the difference between doing that work with a bulldozer and doing it carefully -- examining the existing elements, assessing their worth, leaving some, carefully removing others, and finally rebuilding the landscape around the existing framework. This is not work for the timid.

Some of the best "theological contractors" in the business are here at ETSS. In a very safe environment, incredibly skilled, caring, and faithful builders are helping us disassemble and assess ourselves -- our faith, our call, our theology, who we are. Only after this period of deconstruction can the process of reconstruction begin. It is gut wrenching. It is mind bending. And it is incredibly exhilarating.

David Sugeno Class of 2006 from the Diocese of Texas

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I felt strongly compelled to attend an Episcopal seminary rather than a local theological school. It was my desire to be steeped in the Episcopal liturgy, tradition and theology while undergoing the academic and spiritual transformations necessary to prepare me for ordained ministry. I applied to three seminaries but found myself particularly drawn and eventually guided to ETSS. The school's focus on mission, and its emphasis on teaching the skills needed for ministry in increasingly cross-cultural situations, persuaded me that I belonged at ETSS. I have never regretted my decision.

Like the spouses of many students here, my husband chose to remain where we have resided for the past 12 years and attends our home parish. It has been challenging but quite manageable for both of us -- thanks to phone cards, e-mail and frequent flyer miles. The faculty, staff and students comprise a community in which all are truly supportive, encouraging and nurturing to one another. We come together in chapel at noon every day, amidst the rigors of academia to re-center ourselves, focusing on why we are here and on the one whom we have chosen to serve. During this time of worship we are spiritually fed and renewed; the shared mealtime which follows, further enhances our sense of community.

The coursework at ETSS is both intensive and extensive as appropriate to master knowledge in the many areas of discipline required by canon law. Because the majority of the students opt for the pass/fail grading system, competition is essentially eliminated, encouraging an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie among students.

Cass Strotheide Class of 2005 from the Diocese of Colorado

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Several years ago I began to understand that God was calling me to some kind of ministry. The sense of that call was strong but vague. I was full of questions: What am I to do? How do I acquire the knowledge I will need to do it? Does this feeling of "calling" even make sense?

A chance conversation with a recent ETSS graduate connected me to the MAPM program. My two years at ETSS since then have been transformative, and answers to those questions are beginning to take shape. I express myself and move onward in my spiritual journey with more confidence. The courses and the MAPM community have strengthened my knowledge and provided many opportunities for spiritual growth.

For me, the heart of the program is the hours my classmates and I spend in class together. The courses are stimulating and non-threatening. We can express our beliefs with honesty and raise questions openly. We struggle with new ideas and open ourselves to new and exciting ways to be Christ's servants in this world. We learn from our teachers and we learn from each other. My classmates, who come from many professions and backgrounds, bring to those discussions an incredible richness of real life experiences in God's world. Together, semester by semester, we cannot help but become new creations.

Lera Tyler Class of 2007 from the Diocese of West Texas

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Our baptismal covenant calls us to proclaim the Good News, seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every human being. What does this mean for those of us preparing to be leaders of the church in an era of globalization? What does this mean in my own increasingly pluralistic, multicultural Diocese of Los Angeles? These changes are not particular to churches in sprawling urban areas. They are being felt across the country in small towns and in rural communities.

I believe our response to these changes is not to stand as gatekeepers at the doors of the church in the name of preserving its purity. In these fluid times the church is offered a great opportunity to exercise the creative freedom of the Gospel. It liberates us to respond to new, cultural situations by welcoming the unique experiences, insights and ministries of all of God's people.

ETSS has embraced the challenge of providing an educational and formational experience needed in these times of transformation. ETSS equips us to engage in the thoughtful and faithful process of building the kind of church communities God has called and empowered us to imagine throughout the ages. This commitment to a promising future is felt in the classroom and in our daily communal life. Wherever my faith journey may take me, I believe I will be well prepared to minister the word of God and open myself up to receive the gifts of this new time and place known as the twenty-first century.

María Elizabeth Muñoz Class of 2005 from the Diocese of Los Angeles

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As a student at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest I have a somewhat different perspective on being a student at the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. At the outset of my seminary career, I found myself excited by the possibility of taking classes and being in community with Episcopalians. Given the implementation of the Called to Common Mission document by both churches, I looked forward to learning more about a denomination with which the ELCA had seen fit to exchange clergy and practice open communion. As I look back on my four years of seminary, I have learned much more about the Episcopal church as well as the Lutheran church than I ever imagined. My experience at LSPS in community with Episcopalian brothers and sisters has helped to form my pastoral identity in so many ways.

Another aspect of LSPS that has shaped my future ministry is its emphasis on cross-cultural ministry. I have learned much by working with and ministering to Hispanics through LSPS. Just as the ecumenical nature of my education gave me a solid foundation for knowing my Lutheran heritage, so has working with people from other cultures. When we are forced to look at ourselves from a different perspective, we discover those things in our faith life that we hold most dear, and we are able to understand why. When we choose to be in community with those who are different from ourselves, we are blessed with a deeper awareness of the Body of Christ.

Danielle Moore Class of 2004 from the Southwestern Texas Synod

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Three years ago, when I first stood in the nave of Christ Chapel, looked beyond the chairs, across the altar, through the "brokenness" of the large stained glass window and then onto the cross that is at the literal and figurative center of our community, I knew "I'd found it!" That was the wisdom several people offered me when I began my seminary search -- "You'll know it when you see it." And of course, they were right.

Through that window I saw a seminary that is teaching future church leaders to understand that the Church exists for the sake of the world, for the sake of the people outside our walls, not just for those gathered inside. It's for those in captivity, in poverty, in isolation and in fear. The church is for all. And it's through that "broken" window that we're reminded of our call to lead the church in a new, and different, and more inclusive way.

My wife and I looked at four fantastic seminaries, but only one -- the one tucked away on a beautiful and peaceful block of Live Oak trees and limestone buildings -- seemed like a place that I would be stretched without being broken. In every class, I see a new way of doing and being and living "church." This is a real community that offers its members the opportunity to change and grow and live into ourselves.

My family made the decision to come to Austin and we've never looked back.

Hunt Priest Class of 2005 from the Diocese of Atlanta

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The image of the parish priest is undergoing a transformation of global proportions. Whatever is done in America has an impact on the wider world. Not only does every vote count, but every trip made in an automobile rather than by foot or bicycle, every dollar spent, every prayer lifted up. So every parish priest is involved in world mission.

Knowing what we believe and why our faith has something wonderful and powerful to offer humanity is of primary importance. But today it is also important to listen to and know how to value the beliefs of others, to see the influence of faith on culture and culture on faith, and to wisely discern the good.

How do we intentionally embrace living with diversity, never expecting it to be as easy as living in a homogeneous community, but accepting the tension? How can we learn, not to just accept, but to celebrate racial, cultural, philosophical, theological, and other difference? Can we maintain diversity as we share a common space and faith? What spiritual experience and practice will benefit the whole of a diverse community? What personal spiritual discipline will keep us grounded?

These are areas the community at ETSS struggles to live into. We have a long way to go, but the goal is in sight. Forums for discussion are designed with intent to hear diverse voices uncritically. Spiritual development is taken seriously and taught. Cultural diversity is taught from the ancient ages of scripture to the current culture of Austin, Texas. I value my experience here because ETSS is committed to designing curriculum relevant to the twenty-first century needs of the church.

Stephanie Swinnea Class of 2005 from the Diocese of Oklahoma

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