Disciples Seminarians Conference provides
beyond-the-classroom lessons, connections, and inspiration

Seminarians spend most of their studies digging deep into scripture, studying theology and history, or polishing their preaching skills. Denominational structure and congregational leadership - they'll learn that outside the classroom.

The Disciples Seminarians Conference is the place. Fifty-six M.Div. students from 29 theological institutions convened for a crash course in how Disciples general ministries can support them professionally and spiritually as congregational ministry undergoes radical changes.

This year's conference, held March 31-April 3 in Nashville, Tenn., provided time for each general ministry to explain its ministry and its future in a rapidly changing church. Participants also learned about the Hope Partnership for congregational revitalization; the search and call process for congregational ministry; and personal and church finances.

"My favorite part of the conference was being able to engage the ministry leaders on a personal level and hear the realities of ministry along with their passion and frustrations." said Jarda Alexander of Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

While seminarians spent plenty of time in workshops, breaks between sessions provided opportunities to know fellow students answering a call to ministry, creating a network of peers — those connections are just as valuable as the classes.

"Not being a cradle-to-grave Disciple, having an opportunity to learn about each part of the general expression of church was very helpful," said Dan Adolphson, an online student from Minneapolis studying at Oklahoma-based Phillips Theological Seminary. "But just getting to know fellow seminarians and have deep, meaningful conversations meant a great deal to me."

"It was wonderful to see seminarians like me meeting each other, worshipping together, talking about our various experiences, and learning and contributing to the church together," said Katherine Raley of the Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago. "That kind of experience gives us a wider perspective of the church. It highlighted the gifts of the people and the importance of looking outside one's own experience."

Several students reported word-of-mouth recruiting for the conference sharing a common theme: "Don't miss the Seminarians Conference." The conference's goal is to bring as many seminarians as possible. Costs are subsidized by the general ministries, and travel stipends are available for students regardless of where they study. This year, more than 80% of participants received travel stipends.

HELM organizes the conference, but it is a collaborative effort. Each general ministry contributes financially to the biennial conference. In all, 29 general ministry staff, including most general and ethnic ministry presidents, attended at least a portion of the conference.

Seminarians led worship each day. Patty Jones of Christian Theological Seminary and Detra Johnson of Memphis Theological Seminary coordinated the worship services, incorporating a variety of different styles and earning high marks from participants.

"The most important and life-giving piece of the experience was the sense of energy and reflection happening among my ministerial peers," said Harvard Divinity School student Tiffany Curtis. "Those connections will fuel my ministry."

The next Seminarians Conference is tentatively scheduled for April 2013. Active students who have completed one year at an accredited seminary are eligible to attend. For more information, visit www.helmdisciples.org.