A Sign outside a restaurant in Torre Pellice, Italy
I will be on sabbatical from my job at Western Theological Seminary from January 1 through July 1, 2024. If you would like to schedule a speaking or preaching engagement for after that, please don’t hesitate to email me at: carol.bechtel@westernsem.edu.
I will, however, be giving the commencement address for Western Theological Seminary on April 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM in Holland, Michigan. Also—
Announcing a DMin Cohort with Carol M Bechtel:
Seeking Sabbath in a Frantic World
Sabbath is the gift designed by God to give us rest and renewal amid a frantic world. God knows we need it! Yet Christians have largely lost touch with this important part of our spiritual heritage. Even those of us who say we “keep Sabbath” are often unaware of its potential for re-forming our walk with God, others, and all creation. In this cohort, we’ll explore what it means to celebrate Sabbath. Through study, practice, writing, and celebration, we will “seek Sabbath” together. Some of the questions we
will explore include:
will explore include:
• Is Sabbath more than self-care? If so, how/why?
• Is Sabbath selfish?
• How can busy pastors realistically celebrate Sabbath?
• What are the real-life consequences of rejecting the gift
of Sabbath? For us? For others? For the world?
• What practical suggestions and practices are available for
supporting Sabbath celebration?
• Why is Sabbath more like a party with people we love
than it is a list of obligations?
• Is Sabbath selfish?
• How can busy pastors realistically celebrate Sabbath?
• What are the real-life consequences of rejecting the gift
of Sabbath? For us? For others? For the world?
• What practical suggestions and practices are available for
supporting Sabbath celebration?
• Why is Sabbath more like a party with people we love
than it is a list of obligations?
Program Qualifications:
This Doctor of Ministry cohort is designed specifically for women in pastoral ministry. To qualify for
the Doctor of Ministry program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Hold an M.Div. degree or its
educational equivalent
• Have at least three years of
ministry experience since the M.Div.
was completed.
• Be prepared to participate in seminars
for two weeks in each of the three years.
If you do not hold an M.Div. degree, please
contact admissions.
the Doctor of Ministry program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Hold an M.Div. degree or its
educational equivalent
• Have at least three years of
ministry experience since the M.Div.
was completed.
• Be prepared to participate in seminars
for two weeks in each of the three years.
If you do not hold an M.Div. degree, please
contact admissions.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Doctor of Ministry cohort I am leading, check out this link: Seeking Sabbath. The deadline for application is May 1, 2024. The 3-year cohort will begin in the fall of 2024.