News Archives

Young adult seminarians launch network

 


Young adult seminarians launch network

 

June 7, 2004 

 

By Pamela Crosby*

 

CONWAY, Ark. (UMNS)--Young adult seminarians formed a network to parallel the United Methodist Student Movement during a post-Student Forum 2004 meeting at Hendrix College, a United Methodist-related institution.

 

“The YASN meeting was a great step toward building a network of support for young people in seminary,” said Julie O’Neal, program coordinator for community life at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo. She cited “vibrant conversation” among the students about needs, concerns, joys and commonalities of those who are pursuing vocations in the church.

 

The seminarians drafted a purpose statement, established initial goals, selected a coordinating committee and agreed to reconvene in one year. The new network’s primary purpose is to provide advocacy, resources, support and community for young seminarians.  Goals include planning a national gathering, developing a model for sabbath retreats and establishing an internet presence.

 

“To see the passion, true excitement, and pure energy that there is around this idea, that is encouraging,” O’Neal said. “It's what inspires me as well as many others to keep looking for ways that the United Methodist Church can help support young leaders.”

 

O’Neal, who is a former student movement steering committee member planned the network with three seminarians:  Jennifer Battiest, Drew University Theological School, Madison, N.J., Michelle Blume, Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Ky., and Laurie Day, Iliff School of Theology, Denver. They hope the network will become established on each campus so that young seminarians can feel camaraderie with those attending other seminaries.

 

 

·     Sara Baron, Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology

  • Jennifer Battiest, Drew University Theological School, Madison, N.J.
  • Michelle Blume, Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Ky.
  • Justin Coleman, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C.
  • Paula Cripps, Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology
  • Chad Johns, Boston (Mass.) University School of Theology
  • Matthew Kelly, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville, Tenn.
  • Andrea Kraushaar, Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo.
  • Jeffery Ozanne, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.
  • Shandirai “Shandi” Mawokomatanda, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
  • Courtney McHill, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.
  • Melissa Meyers, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio
  • Hyo Chong “Debbie” Mun, Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, Texas
  • Kate Murphey, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
  • Mary Kathleen “MK” O’Haver, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio

*Crosby is assistant editor and writer for the Office of Interpretation, Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tenn.

·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn. 

 

Ask Now

This will not reach a local church, district or conference office. InfoServ* staff will answer your question, or direct it to someone who can provide information and/or resources.

First Name:*
Last Name:*
Email:*
ZIP/Postal Code:*
Question:*

*InfoServ ( about ) is a service of United Methodist Communications located in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 1-800-251-8140

Not receiving a reply?
Your Spam Blocker might not recognize our email address. Add this address to your list of approved senders.

Would you like to ask any questions about this story?ASK US NOW


Contact Us

This will not reach a local church, district or conference office. InfoServ* staff will answer your question, or direct it to someone who can provide information and/or resources.

Phone
(optional)

*InfoServ ( about ) is a ministry of United Methodist Communications located in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 1-800-251-8140

Not receiving a reply?
Your Spam Blocker might not recognize our email address. Add InfoServ@umcom.org to your list of approved senders.