Education for Faith; Education for Life

by the Rev. Kathy Michael, Associate Pastor for Adult Education

When I was in seminary, I found myself wishing that every Christian could study the Bible with the original languages! I learned so much that opened up the Scriptures in powerful and exciting ways. The blessings of knowledge led me to a deeper and broader experience of faith. 

As I studied church history, I realized that our times have much in common with the 1st Century.  The cultural challenges to faith are not new. I also realized that I did not become who I am as a follower of Jesus in a vacuum. So much in the past has shaped me – and has shaped the 21^st Century church.

Theology classes prodded at my understanding and forced me to think harder than I ever had about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and even about ME! What I believe was on the front burner of my studies, and the challenges stretched me in new and wondrous ways.

As I count my blessings at Westminster, among them is a culture of intellectual curiosity. I read once, that if you don’t grow, you shrink.  The people of Westminster are committed to growing – intellectually, spiritually, and in the ways we put our faith into practice. 

Part of that growth comes through our Adult Education program, Education for Faith and Life.  We learn to grow in faith, but we also learn to live out our faith each day in our relationships, choices, and decisions. Click here to see the latest classes from Education for Faith and Life.

We are so blessed in the outstanding teachers who come to increase our knowledge and stimulate our growth. The many professors who come here from Luther Seminary, United Theological Seminary, Macalester College, The University of St. Thomas, Bethel University, Winona State University, The University of Minnesota, St. John’s University, and also professionals from the larger community bless us all with a seminary-level education.  My wish to share my life-changing experience of seminary has come to pass.

I am grateful that quality adult education is a priority at Westminster.  It changes lives, and it changes our congregation. One of our professors, Dr. Andy Overman, says that our program is a gift to the Twin Cities community. For others to know that adult Christian education is important here and happens with a high degree of expectation, blesses the whole community.

I love to learn. I am grateful to have the privilege of sharing my passion for learning with Westminster, and to invite others into the adventure. Education at Westminster is for Faith – growing deeper into the life of God; and it is for Life – making a difference every day. Thanks be to God for the many blessings of Adult Education at Westminster!