“CPE was an incredible blend of self-discovery, growth and sometimes even discomfort all set against the backdrop of chaplain ministry. During CPE I became critically aware that I needed to slow down and feel the feelings that I sometimes like to push aside. I realized the value of silence, listening and being in the moment, rather than deferring to my high energy style of “doing” or trying to fix an issue or problem.”
“The time I spent in class learning to examine family systems and face my own emotional and spiritual issues made me a wiser, more compassionate pastoral caregiver when I was doing my rounds. I learned that I wasn’t there to cheer patients up, solve their theological problems, or pray for them; I was there to hear their anguish, make a safe space to ask the questions they were afraid to ask, and pray with them. CPE taught me both confidence and humility in the pastoral role.”
“My favorite thing about teaching TEEM students is watching them create strong learning communities. In a short amount of time, they start to share deep insights, ask hard questions, and encourage each other as fellow leaders and learners.”
“Wartburg has made seminary and answering my call to ministry possible. I am able to continue to answer my call as a youth minister, pay bills without going into debt, and my wife didn’t have to sacrifice her career here in Virginia.”
“I’m honestly shocked how flexible my professors are. I have been traveling unexpectedly for work a lot, and I’m so thankful that the faculty are realistic in the midst of those unplanned things that come up in life and with my job.”
“As an asynchronous student it has been marvelous to experience the authentic community professors and my classmates cultivate at a distance. We are not merely completing assignments, but building safe spaces for each of us to be vulnerable with our ideas and our questions.”
“I’m part of a family at Wartburg, even learning from a distance. When I went home to Texas after my first Prolog Week, I was worried I would feel alone. I laugh now to think about that worry because my new Wartburg family studies and learns together, and we text, chat, Zoom, and support each other daily.”
“Wartburg feels like home! The community that gathers both in person and online makes me feel like I have a place. and people to journey with through this call. It’s an amazing experience to worship, learn, grow, be challenged, and formed with the love of God surrounding you in the body of Christ.”
“We love the hills and natural beauty of places like Eagle Point Park, Swiss Valley, and the Mississippi riverfront. We also enjoy Iowa’s unique role in national politics, because it has allowed us to hear—and sometimes meet—presidential candidates in person.”
