When I began seminary 2 1/2 years ago I didn't realize that I would have to write a huge dissertation, let alone defend it.  I'm sure it was in the fine print somewhere, but I was completely oblivious.  That's probably a good thing.  I'm not sure I would have been as excited to start the program knowing that it would have to end with me being put on the hot seat for an hour. 

The first 15 minutes of the defense I presented the paper, explaining why the community aspect of spiritual formation is worthy of thesis work, highlighting the main points of the dissertation and recognizing areas of weakness in the final copy.  This was the easy part.

After 30 minutes of being grilled by the panel, they dismissed me in order to discuss my grade.

The final outcome:  I passed with a 4 on a scale of 1-5 (which means: very good).

 

 

Let's hear it for happy endings.