Introduction After several months of connecting on-line, I had the privilege of meeting Michael in Lancaster, PA. What brought him to my neck of the woods? His research on John Williamson Nevin (1803 – 1886). John Williamson Nevin not only taught in the seminary of the German Reformed Church in America in the mid-nineteenth century, but also served as the president of Franklin and Marshall College. Furthermore, he was a friend to James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States. Did you know that … [Read more...] about Returning to Graduate School – Thoughts by Michael Stell (1)
Transitions
On Transitions (Part III) -or- Some Thoughts on Hospitality
The last two Thursdays I have focused on how to think about life when you're in the midst of transition and some things you can do to weather transition well. I'd like to direct this final post in the series at those of you who are not in transition, but find yourselves in a place (like, say, the University setting!) where there are new folks around on a pretty regular basis, particularly during this time of the year. For seven years, we attended a church in Cambridge, MA that was situated between Harvard and … [Read more...] about On Transitions (Part III) -or- Some Thoughts on Hospitality
On Transitions (Part II)
In the previous post, I shared some thoughts with you about why we should engage during times of transition. Throughout this post, I'll share about how we can weather these times of transition well, even coming out smiling and thankful on the other side! This post will explore these survival techniques: 1. Make sure people are praying for you. 2. Consider what the Lord might be teaching you. 3. Join a church as quickly as possible and dive in. 4. Remember, it takes time! Before getting into that list, let me … [Read more...] about On Transitions (Part II)
On Transitions (Part 1)
As I sit to write, friends of ours from Boston are a few miles from our home, having stopped for a brief visit with us en route to their new town. They are in the middle of a major transition for their family; after sixteen years in Massachusetts, they are moving on to plant a church in Texas. Two hours after their arrival in Pittsburgh, they had to get back on the road. As they pulled away, the heartache set in. My four-year-old son verbalized what we were all feeling, “Why do they have to leave? I want … [Read more...] about On Transitions (Part 1)
13 Ways of Looking at Graduate School: Part 4
Below is the final piece of a 4-part series by an anonymous contributor, a recent PhD recipient who has been involved with ESN and wanted to share lessons he learned during graduate school. In the fall he will begin teaching at a private Christian university. Praise God! Click here to read Part 1, click here to read Part 2, and click here to read Part 3 -- be sure to check out the helpful conversation in the comment section on 9. Don't be afraid to be known as a fanatical Christ-follower. ~ … [Read more...] about 13 Ways of Looking at Graduate School: Part 4