Illustration by Ellen Marello
“Apocalypse” is on the minds of many in these strange times. On so many fronts, the tipping point seems imminent – climate change, the pandemic, racial reckoning, #metoo, economic uncertainty, rapid cultural shifts. The Church and the institutions entrusted with training its leaders also are in the throes of multiple crises.
“It is … normal for Christians to live in a situation of crisis,” missiologist David Bosch writes in his book, Transforming Mission. In fact, he noted, a crisis can awaken us to embrace the reality of who we truly are. In that sense, “apocalypse” is not the end of things, but a “revelation” – an insight into the true state of things that had previously been hidden, opening new horizons of possibilities.
The truth about the Church is that we have never been a staid institution of tradition-keeping afraid of losing its power, privilege and comfort in this world, but rather disciples and witnesses of an upside-down kingdom of grace, following a crucified King. And the truth about seminaries is that we have been charged with forming leaders who will embody such faith in this anxious world. I pray we will be wide awake to what the Lord has to teach us in this moment.
