40 units down... 26 to go...

I continue to love my classes and continue to feel blessed that I'm able to take classes while working in a great ministry position! Here's the latest on my educational pursuits....

Last Thursday I finished my 3-week intensive January term class, Theology II. I have now completed 40 units toward my 66-unit Master's degree in Biblical & Theological Studies.

The spring semester started today and I am taking three classes totaling nine units, the most units I've ever taken at one time! I think it's going to be great though. I'm looking forward to the subject matter and one is an indepedent study so I think the workload should be manageable. Here are the classes I'm taking and the now traditional photo of my reading load for the semester:

Theology IV - Ecclesiology and Eschatology - Dr. Robert Saucy (Distinguished Professor of Theology, has taught at Talbot for 42 years)

Cults of America - Dr. Kevin Lewis

Church Growth & Church Planting (Independent Study) - Dr. Gary McIntosh

A Christmas Update from the Olson Family!

Merry Christmas to you all!

FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some of the highlights for our family in 2008:

• We moved into a new house, an amazing blessing from the Lord! See here and here.
• My cousin Rachel, who graduated from Biola in May, moved in with us in August.
  
• Our Disneyland passes, a gift from donors, provided lots of family fun! We'll try to go a couple more time before they expire in late January. =) We all enjoy the parades!
• We enjoyed many visits with our awesome family and friends throughout the year!
• Our first family camping trip, to Mammoth in July... what an adventure!
• We love our church family and all four of us enjoy various church classes and events.

TREVOR
Trevor turned 2 in April! He has become a VERY talkative little dude and is quite the entertainer and comedian. When we go to Disneyland, he particularly enjoys Dumbo, the two different Toy Story rides, and the Monsters Inc. ride. When Kaylin started school, TJ was Mr. Bold/Fearless, looking for where his desk was and totally willing to start school. =) After getting to "play" Guitar Hero with Rachel and Joel, he has become obsessed with guitars... more on that in a future post.

KAYLIN
Kaylin turned 5 in October! She started school this year... she loves her pre-kindergarten class. This year she was a flower girl for the second time and she saw her first movie in a theater. When we go to Disneyland, she loves to meet the princesses and go on rollercoasters with her daddy. Kaylin is still a planner, she likes to know what to expect. She is quite the encourager, always quick to spur/cheer on her brother and others. Lately, she has started playing jokes on us, saying one thing and then "just kidding!"

AMY
Amy keeps busy as usual... besides being an amazing wife and mother, she serves alongside me in the young adults ministry, in the MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) ministry at our church, and in the Talbot Wive's Fellowship ministry at the seminary. This year she also became an Avon lady, harvested her tomato and squash crop, and went on a women's retreat in Laguna Beach. She has really appreciated living closer to our church and she enjoys connecting frequently with friends and her mentor. With Kaylin in school 3 hours a day, she has enjoyed that change of pace and some time with just Trevor.

DEREK
I continue to enjoy being a seminary student! I have now completed 37 units out of the 66 required for my Master's degree and will graduate in May 2010. Serving as a young adults pastor is also a tremendous blessing. Two of the couples in our ministry got married this year and it was my privelege to participate in each ceremony. We also launched The Gathering, a Sunday evening time of worship for the 18-20somethings. That has been both challenging and rewarding! I am thankful for growing friendships with and opportunities to learn from my mentor, professors and those I serve with. Plus, I've been able to make some great friends both at church and at the seminary!

Our recent trip to Bethlehem... =)

We pray that your Christmas will be full of friends, family and fun as we rejoice in and celebrate the birth of Jesus!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,
The Olsons - Derek, Amy, Kaylin and Trevor

My Fourth Semester @ Talbot

I started my fourth semester at Talbot last week. By the end of this semester I will be over halfway done with my Master's degree. I'm hoping/planning to graduate in May 2010.

This semester's reading load... minus one textbook.

I am really excited about the three classes I am taking this semester... I just hope I can manage the 8 units. By doing three classes now, I hope to only take two per semester (plus classes in January term and summer) the rest of the way.

My classes are:

• An Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles... Professor Ben Shin - I'm really looking forward to this very practical study of many issues related to pastoral ministry.
• Old Testament Survey... Dr. John Hutchison - same prof that I had for NT Survey... lookin' forward to it.
• Theology I... Dr. Mark Saucy - Mark and his wife Bonnie are our mentor couple... this will be my first class with him as my prof. Good stuff!

Done with Classes until August!

I finished my last summer class today! I really enjoyed my two summer classes... but boy was I ready to be done. I've been in class almost non-stop since last August... fall classes, January term class, spring classes and then summer classes... whew!

Last weekend, this was my favorite spot to study during the heat wave:

Chair submerged in pool, umbrella for shade, Coke within reach!

The Latest...

One Down, One To Go!
I just finished the first of two classes that I am taking this summer. I'm really glad to have taken it because I always felt my knowledge of church history was pretty weak. Up next, "Life of Christ" with Dr. Darrel Bock from Dallas Theological Seminary... I'm really looking forward to it. Please pray that I'll be able to push through for two more weeks!

Sunday Evening Gatherings at our House
We've been really enjoying opportunities to use host people in our home. Check out this post on the GHFC Young Adults blog to get an idea about our Sunday night gatherings that are going on this summer.

Ding, Dong! It's Avon!
Amy has been busily getting off to a great start on her new adventure of selling Avon. Follow this link to check out her Avon website.

Makin' Progress, Slowly but Surely!

We arrived in SoCal in January 2007 for me to begin working on my seminary degree. I just completed my third semester... plus I took classes last summer and during January term. I just finished the spring semester in which I took the heaviest unit load yet... 8 units! Whew... loved the classes but glad I'm done!

Spring '08
Greek II - 2 units
Hermeneutics - 3 units
Pastoral Care & Counseling - 2 unites
Research Methodologies - 1 unit
Field Education - 0 units

Now, in an effort to keep the number of classes that I have to take during the full semesters manageable, I am taking two classes this summer... starting today!

Summer '08
Historical Theology Survey - 3 units
Life of Christ - 2 units

All of this means that, by the end of June, I will have completed 29 units toward my 66-unit M.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies. Not bad... I'm hoping to finish in summer 2010... but might need until December 2010.

What?! No posts in almost a month? That's outrageous!

The title of this post might win the award for the longest post title in the history of OlsonWeb...

Friends, Neighbors and Countrymen,
Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have some excuses:
- I'm married
- I have two kids
- I'm working two jobs
- Fall classes started 1o days ago

I know, I know... excuses, excuses! You don't want excuses... you just want pictures of my kids and perhaps a bit of news about our family. Well, hopefully this post will break the ice then and you'll get those things soon. Speaking of ice, I'm gonna go get a drink of water. It's BLAZING hot in SoCal these past few days... 104 today! Completely ridiculous, unnecessary, ludicrous, infuriating and whacked out. But I digress....

For now, the only somewhat newsworthy item that I'll pass along is my class list for this semester. I'm excited about these classes but a huge prayer request would be that I'll be able to manage these 7 units along with all my other roles (mentioned above). I'm excited to be back in ministry and I'm lovin' my classes... but of course, my family is my first priority and I'll need the Lord's help to balance all these things effectively.

Beginning Greek I (2 units) - I can write the Greek alphabet so far... but other than that, I'm a bit freaked out.

Genesis to Malachi / OT Survey (3 units) - same prof that I had for NT Survey

Intro to Field Education (1 unit) - great prof that I had for Pastoral ministry over the summer

Theological Research Methodologies (1 unit) - yawn. required.

Spiritual Mentoring Group (0 units) - chance to check-in with my peers, continue to learn or develop spiritual disciplines and be encouraged spiritually. some work, no credit, but that means no $407 tuition charge... so whatever.

So... that's a lot of things to attend and complete work for... and it's only 7 units. I'm gonna try to press on and make it work... but dropping something hasn't been ruled out yet.

That's all for now...

Catchin' Up...

I finally got caught up on some blogging tonight. As you can see by the many posts I just finished (below) and the one I'm about to do (above), we've been really busy this last week. In addition to all of that, my first semester at Talbot has been winding down. In fact, I took a final exam today and officially finished my first semester back in school. I really enjoyed my classes, I had great profs and I'm looking forward to much more seminary ahead! =) I'm only taking a 2-week break... I'll be back in the classroom for four weeks in June in order to take two summer courses. I'm really looking forward to them... Pastoral Ministry and Disciple-Making in the Postmodern Generation.

My first seminary classes

I registered yesterday for my first semester of classes at Talbot School of Theology. I decided to go with a light load in order to ease back into being a student. I'm registered to take:

TTBE 520 - Survey of Matthew-Revelation (3 units)
Tuesdays 1:30-4:10
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students. Taught by Dr. John Hutchison

TTPT 706 - Personal Foundations of Ministry (2 units)
Wednesdays 12:30-2:20
Focused on the importance of self-understanding for spiritual and emotional well-being as well as effective ministry to hurting people, an investigation of the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Several personal assessments as well as one or more therapy sessions are an integral part of this course. Taught by Dr. Rex Johnson

NOTE: Dr. Johnson is the professor that we got to meet through our friends Brent & Lynelle. The same weekend that I visited Talbot just after summer, we had lunch with Dr. Johnson and his wife.

Possible Classes...

I should receive my registration information packet from Talbot in the mail soon. After that I'll be able to connect with an advisor to see what classes I should take in my first semester. I don't know yet how many units I will take... it might depend on what job I end up with. Anyway, I did some looking around on the Talbot website and I would guess that my first semester would include 2-4 of the following classes:

TTBE 517 - Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods (3)
A study of principles for sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena and the development of an exegetical method. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTBE 520 - Survey of Matthew-Revelation (3)
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Required of M.Div. and M.A. students.

TTPT 510 - Evangelism and Follow-Up (3)
The biblical principles and practice of evangelism and discipleship. The class will seek to develop the skills of personal evangelism, determine strategies for a discipleship ministry. Required of M.Div., and M.A. (B/T.S. emphasis) students.

TTPT 706 - Personal Foundations of Ministry (2)
Focused on the importance of self-understanding for spiritual and emotional well-being as well as effective ministry to hurting people, an investigation of the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Several personal assessments as well as one or more therapy sessions are an integral part of this course. Grading on a Credit / No Credit basis. Required in first semester at Talbot. Required of M.Div., and M.A. students. Fee: $60.

TTPT 591 - Introduction to Field Education (1)
Introduction into the practical elements of ministry. Emphasis will be placed on career planning, field experience and preparation for Field Education Internship in the M.Div. program. Required of M.Div. students. Lab fee: $40.

The News Is Out!

Most of you loyal OlsonWeb readers already know about our big news. However, since that news has now gone public, I wanted to blog about it!

Here's some of the email announcement we sent out recently:

Amy and I are excited to announce that after much prayerful deliberation, we are following the Lord's leading to... drum roll please... Southern California! I let my boss know late this afternoon that I will be leaving Mission Springs in mid-January in order to begin taking seminary classes at Talbot School of Theology (part of Biola University) in La Mirada, CA. The coming weeks will be spent finishing up my time at Mission Springs while looking for a ministry opportunity or other job in Southern Cal, figuring out where to live, preparing to move, etc.

Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and support over these past months as we have sought God's direction for us. We'd appreciate your continued prayers for our transition planning. Also, if you have any leads for either housing or a ministry position, please let me know!

Here are some excerpts from an email I sent to former Frontier Ranch summer staffers today:

I am writing to let you all know about some exciting developments in my life. After much prayerful deliberation, Amy and I became convinced of God's call for me to begin seminary training. So, in order to prepare for whatever ministry He calls me to in the future, my family and I will soon be moving to Southern California where I will be enrolling at Talbot School of Theology (part of Biola University) in La Mirada, CA. My last day here at Mission Springs will be sometime in mid-January and school starts on January 29th.

We are stepping out in faith to follow His call, not yet knowing where I will work or where we will live. That's the adventure of being obedient! My hope and prayer is that God will lead me to a ministry position that will allow me to provide for my family but have enough flexibility to attend classes as a full-time student. My family and I are excited to see what God has in store!

Of course, it is not without sadness that we leave Mission Springs. As you all know, Mission Springs holds a very special place in my heart… I received my call to ministry and met Amy while on summer staff here and have had innumerable amazing "God moments" while serving with all of you at Frontier Ranch. I have truly enjoyed every aspect of my job here and God really stretched and grew me while I was here. We will miss this place and, more importantly, the people here.

However, all that said, I am very excited to see what the Lord has in store for the future here at Mission Springs. Next summer, Mission Springs will celebrate 40 years of youth camp ministry at Frontier Ranch and I am so glad that you all have been, and will continue to be, part of God's work there. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel!

I would appreciate your prayers for the transition time that lies ahead for both my family and for Mission Springs. PLEASE feel free to call or email me with any questions you might have. I’ll be in contact with all of you at least a couple more times via these lovely mass emails before I leave and I look forward to seeing many of you at the reunion!

A Seminary Visit & One Last Date!

Today I attended "Access Western," an open-house event at Western Seminary. Then, Amy and I went on our last date before baby #2 arrives!

A friend who is currently taking classes there let me know about today's opportunity to check out the seminary. There was an informational meeting, a brief tour, and we got to observe about 10 minutes of a class that was in progress. Then, they provided lunch (I always appreciate free food :) and answered our questions in smaller groups. It was a very intriguing day!

I feel like the Lord has been putting the idea of attending seminary on my heart and mind for quite awhile now. And now, after today's visit, I feel pretty excited at the idea of gaining some great Biblical and theological training! Western is set up for people who are working (I'd continue working at Mission Springs), so classes are offered at night or on Saturdays. I'm also going to be looking into other seminary options including North Park, which is the Covenant denomination's University and Seminary in Chicago. North Park has lots of distance learning (online classes) options along with short intensive classes on campus in Chicago.

Then, this evening Amy and I left Kaylin with a sitter and went out to dinner at Seabright Brewery. We had a nice time eating, chatting (lots about my visit to the seminary) and then walking around and getting dessert in downtown Santa Cruz. Anyway, we know that seminary would require a substantial investment of time and money but our desire is to prayerfully consider the possibility in the coming weeks, knowing that where the Lord leads, he provides! We'd sure appreciate your prayers for us as we consider this possibility. Thanks!

Love to all!