HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED MY TEACHING AT WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY?

It would be easier to list how COVID-19 has not affected the experience of teaching than it would be to list all the ways it has! The mission is still the same: to train biblically faithful pastors and theologians in the whole counsel of God’s Word that they might equip God’s people for the work of the ministry and discipleship for the proclamation of the gospel, whether locally or globally. The commitment to intentional mentoring and fellowship with students is the same. Since we, as a faculty, are committed to the advance of the gospel and the good of God’s people, we cannot turn back from our teaching responsibilities and calling. Where this intersects with the COVID-19 pandemic is that as a faculty, we have had to stay true to our mission while being creative and flexible via digital means in meeting the contexts and contours of that mandate. It has grown us, I believe, far beyond the confines of a traditional, physical classroom. Physical presence is invaluable for a dialogue or discussion, and I long for the day when our classrooms are back to normal. What I hope I do not lose once normal returns is how much at this point in the pandemic my family and I value and prize fellowship in person