The last two weeks were spent in England and the Netherlands, at Exeter and then at the Society for the Study of Theology conference. While at Exeter, my goal was to outline my project and enjoy evensong at the Cathedral of St. Peter - mission accomplished. During the conference, I just wanted to get to know a few people and not make a complete fool out of myself while presenting my paper, "Pastor as Dramaturg" - mission accomplished again.
While at the conference, I got the sense from talking to several professors that my project is a unique and worthwhile endeavor given the currents of current theological enquiry. By combining a concern for communal sustenance and reading Scripture toward performance with a practical component that measures what is actually happening in the community-of-faith will be quite rich. Several conversations stand out. Peter Ward, David Ford, and David Brown were especially encouraging.
I returned to St. Louis energized, filled with excitement. I also returned with the requisite sinus cold. Spending 24 hours in trains, planes and automobiles never does my body good. But it sure is nice to sleep in my own bed.
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