6 things about Andy Spaulding’s summer break

During the summer months, our students work, intern, or study in a variety of settings, often earning course credit and learning what it means to be the Church in the World. Some stay near campus, while others move away for a few months. On the blog this summer, we are featuring some of our students and the work they’re doing. Our final post before the fall term begins features M.Div. student Andy Spaulding (pictured at Montreat Conference Center cooking for summer staff ).

 

By M.A.C.E. / M.Div. student Rosy Robson

Rosy Robson:  Where are you and what are you doing this summer?

Andy Spaulding:  I’ve had the great opportunity to work for Montreat Conference Center as a member of the Ministry Team, along with two other seminarians. My summer has primarily revolved around three primary requirements: planning and participating in worship on Sundays in Anderson Auditorium, planning and leading devotionals with kids in grades K-12, and finally serving as a quasi-college minister to the rest of Summer Staff focusing on building an intentional community.

RR:  How does this summer’s job/activity/study fit into your larger education at Union?

AS:  The really neat part about this summer lies within the three-pronged nature of the job. I thoroughly enjoyed the immersion into different, yet still similar, facets of ministry. I gained Christian Education experience while realizing that I’m not cut out for youth ministry. I received valuable feedback on my stage presence in worship and had general hands-on ministry experience. After this summer I believe I have a clearer picture of my vocational skills knowing what areas need marked improvements and other areas that might need less attention.

RR:  Why is this job/activity/study important for the future of the church?

AS:  Unfortunately, the resounding word on the street is that the church is dying, especially the Presbyterian church, both literally and metaphorically. This sentiment causes me extreme discomfort for a whole host of reasons. While it is true that membership and attendance are in decline, there is a vibrant life in the “up-and-coming/already here” church. If one more person tells me how Millennials are uninterested in organized religion, I’ll drop out of seminary and open an avocado farm. Montreat does a wonderful job of encouraging and nurturing the faith life of the younger church, the up-and-coming/already here church. I was very humbled to have had the chance to create and foster a ministry of intentionality and presence, primarily with college students, showing them that God and faith are not restrained by a building or a day of the week.

RR:  What exciting insights or learnings have you gained so far?

AS:  Speaking of vocational skills, you can plan until your eyes bleed, but some room should be left over for improvisation. This summer highlighted the unpredictability of life: kids are unpredictable, nature is unpredictable, the Holy Spirit is unpredictable. I fully realize that organization and structure are very necessary for a successful ministry, but I’ve learned to leave room for the fluid. Being able to go with the flow is as important as dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s.

RR:  What are you reading or watching this summer?

AS:  I read an incredible book by Richard Grant called “Dispatches from Pluto.” Grant is an English journalist who moved from New York City to the Mississippi Delta, and he offers the reader an outsider’s take on life in the Delta and the true complexity of society therein. Most importantly, Grant stresses that racism is still very real while highlighting the various ways in which the chasm of an inherently racist society can be bridged.

RR:  What is your favorite summertime treat?

AS:  I’m a big ice cream fan. I tend to eat a lot of ice cream in the summer as calories count less during the warmer months because of the amount of sweating I do. Moose Trax and chocolate chip cookie dough are my go to flavors, but I’ll honestly eat anything as long as it’s not plain vanilla.

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