Once again I come to this blog to write an update on my life. But as I think through what I desire to share I am beginning to understand that this will be so much more than a “here is what the Carroll family is up to” entry. Rather, once again I am writing to work through different options in my life. To put them down in words and clear space in my brain to think these things through.
I am now working on my 6ht semester as a student at Talbot School of Theology. Currently I am enrolled in the M.A. Theology and the M.A. Spiritual Formation programs. Yes, a double Masters degree. I am only about 9 credit hours away from finishing my M.A. Theology and then about another year left on my M.A. Spiritual Formation.
I am also working a 10 hour a week job as the Connection Pastor at Ambassador Church (our home church since coming to the L.A. area and the subject of a few previous blog entries). The church has recently merged with another church which created a multi-site campus in Montrose formerly known as Immanuel Chapel. With this change I have been offered a chance to increase my hours at the church to 20. Yet, as I found out after an intense discussion with Pastor Ray this would not be a position that would be limited to only 20 hours a week, it would be more of a half-time position with quite a bit of built in expectation. I would be in charge of all local outreach along with my connection duties plus whatever Ray dreams up as we progress through the year.
All of this sounds great if it were not for the other things going on in my life. Before I mention these other things I feel as if I must qualify my taking on these other responsibilities in hopes that the reader will understand my original reason for attending Seminary here at Talbot. I have come here for the experience. To experience and explore what God has for my future. But this is not solely an introspective journey. Rather I seek to be used in the way God wishes to use the gifts and talents he has bestowed upon me.
For this reason I have accepted a position as a Research Assistant (R.A.) for Dr. Alan Hultberg. Dr. Hultberg is a New Testament scholar that has been instrumental in my Seminary experience. Primarily with his New Testament Survey class and a few semesters later his seminar class on Pauline Theology. I am currently helping him edit a book that is a rethinking of a seminal book on differing views of the Rapture.
I am also serving as the in the Social Chair position on the Talbot Associated Students. This position of leadership could be expanded to the presidential role coming next year. The Social Chair is a unique position of influence that establishes and furthers relationships among the Talbot students and faculty. Along with this service comes a scholarship that pays for about 3/4 of my tuition but most important is the impact that I have on Talbot in general.
All of these things combine with my desire to study and write a M.A. thesis that is not just another discourse on an oversaturated topic but a real contribution to the field of Pauline Theology.
First an foremost in all of this is my relationship with Melodie and the boys. I desire to be present with and accountable to my family . It has been an amazing privilege to be a stay-at-home dad and be intimately involved in Aiden and Ryun’s daily life. I cherish praying with Ethan as I drop him off at school and debrief with he experiences a full day of learning and excitement.
So here is where I sit. Trying to figure out what is next and what decisions I should make, if any, to further God’s initiative in my life. Should I take on the responsibility of more hours at the church? What would I have to drop from life in order to do this job well? Is this position worth shaking up the established pattern we have already established in the last year? How will all of this effect my longing to continue on and get my Ph.D? Where does God want me in all of this?
I will be praying and searching and talking these things out.
