Our first day of class was very good. It was a day of getting
acquainted with each other (reacquainted with some). The day began with
Dr. Jim Scott leading a time of devotion based on John Wesley’s
message, The Scripture Way to Salvation.
Our devotional time included a nice time of singing and praying.
Lecture and discussion rounded out the remainder of the morning, which
was a review of some of the reading we had done prior to this week of
class (in preparation of the work we’ll do this week).

This week, we will develop a "personal transformation plan," a
"personal ministry plan," and a "church transformation plan." This is
what makes this class more than an academic exercise. We’re not just
talking about transformation; were actually seeking
transformation and being intentional about developing a plan for
transformation in our own lives and in the lives of our churches.

This
afternoon, we jumped into this process, beginning with some individual
time to work on our "personal transformation plans." Essentially, this
process involves developing a personal strategy for achieving spiritual
transformation in our own lives. In order to be pastors and leaders who
bring about transformation in our local churches, we must first be
transformed ourselves.

After our individual time, we gathered in "quads" (groups of four)
to discuss what we had just worked on. This will be our "small group"
for the week. We concluded the day with a video (of a church that went
through this type of transformational planning) and some summary
discussion.

Here are a few things that I’m thinking about at the end of this first day …

First, I believe that today was foundational for the rest of the week. In other words, we laid the groundwork for the work God will do during the next four days.

Another sense I have is that I "fit" here. I’m not sure I can
communicate this very well, but I’ll try. I will never forget our
orientation weekend here in January 2004, gathering with about 10 new
students, all wondering what we were doing here and feeling that we
were in over our heads. Dr. Leslie Andrews, the d.min. director,
encouraged us, saying that we were there because they believed in us. I
was grateful to hear that, but today, I really gained a new awareness
of God’s grace that has brought me to this place. I am humbled and
filled with gratitude for God’s goodness and faithfulness!

There is a wonderful sense of community, a sense of community that I’ve never felt in any of
my previous classes this early
in the week. Usually about the time we
obtain this level of community, it’s time to go home. Part of this may
be due to my acclimation here and gaining experience here, but this
still causes me to be excited about the rest of the week.

Also, the Scotts are extremely gifted teachers. They are very
authentic people who genuinely care about people and have a passion for
training leaders. The class format has so much variety, and there are
so many little thoughtful details that make the class very special!
Again, I can only look forward to the next four days.

Finally, I’m grateful for Asbury. The school’s motto is
"Where head and heart go hand in hand." That appears to be so true,
based on my experience, so far. The last thing I want is a purely
academic experience. I love reading and learning, but if it’s not
connected to the "heart religion" that I’m sold out to (i.e.
Christianity, the Way of Christ), I don’t want to have anything to do
with it. Heartless religion kills!

So, as the first day comes to a close, I am simply grateful for the
foundation that was laid today, and look to tomorrow with excitement and
anticipation about what God will do throughout the week.