Being kept out of mischief...

After the nearly two-month hiatus where we spent much of our time picking our noses, the seminary programme is in full swing.  I therefore had to chuckle when Ross asked me whether I was "still bored" - right now, my main problem is this annoying need to sleep.

But it's not only the seminary life that's keeping me busy at the moment.  I'm also involved in a number of projects, the details of which I'm not at liberty to make public at this stage, but let's just say that they concern somewhat sensitive issues.  I'm grateful to those who have roped me in for placing their trust in me.

In addition, I've also been given permission by the seminary to conduct preliminary investigations into the possibility of me commencing with doctoral studies next year.  This is something I'm very excited about, since it has for some time been my dream to combine my financial background with theology.  The area of research I'm looking at is an examination of economic systems in the light of the Gospel, looking at ways in which the Church can have a meaningful voice to the business world.  (My mother is excited too, but for a different reason - she is just relishing the thought of calling me Dr Indiana Jones!  That's a family issue we'll need to sort out since, as the fans of the films will know, Dr Jones Senior had actually named the dog "Indiana"!)  At this stage, as any PhD student would know, research of this nature entails a truckload of reading - someone told me that every page in a thesis needs to be represented by one book's worth of background reading.  That means I probably need to read about 300 books over the next five years!

As if that wasn't enough, the King III project I'm working on for MCO is also ongoing, as is the development of material aimed at improving the financial management knowledge and accountability within our Church, based on Scriptural principles.

Finally, since SMMS is constituted as a Circuit, we are having our first Circuit Quarterly Meeting this coming Monday, and I'm working on a proposal to amend the Laws and Disciplines concerning the stationing process of ministers.  While it is accepted that in an intinerant ministry such as ours we are called to "go where we are sent", there are a number of pastoral considerations that I believe the MCSA has sadly neglected on many an occasion.  So watch this space, as I intend to make the wordings of my proposal available to other Circuits once it has been finalised and presented to our meeting.  Whether it is accepted or not, I believe that it opens a vital conversation within our Church in the 21st century.

So if you've been wondering why I've been so silent on my blog of late, take heart that at least I'm no longer bored!