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by Shelby Lucas, MDiv3 My personal journey through theological education is not unlike that of many of my colleagues. After earning my baccalaureate in 2009, I took a few years off from higher education to discern where I wanted to be vocationally. I moved to Nashville. I taught… Read More

Religion and spirituality always have been central aspects of my person. I grew up in a conservative Christian environment. I loved it. It was one of the greatest driving forces in shaping the person I was. I was especially passionate about Christian Scripture. This love led me to want… Read More

A collaborative mural by VDS students These days, I leave too many Divinity School discussions in exasperation. My blood pressure can’t take it. Just the other day, a dispute about climate change nearly lost me a friendship. I should eat more spinach, or perhaps dark… Read More

After graduating from VDS in 2011, I pursued a ministry in clinical chaplaincy, or what has also started to be known as spiritual counseling. I’m writing to those of you considering the field and even to those of you who aren’t. I am incredibly happy with the work that… Read More

This is the final in a three part series of sermons delivered during the Academy of Preachers by academy members James W. Dennis, Lauren McDuffie and Shantell Hinton. The Academy of Young Preachers… Read More

This is the second in a three part series of sermons delivered during the Academy of Preachers by academy members James W. Dennis, Lauren McDuffie and Shantell Hinton. For the second year in a… Read More

The Academy of Young Preachers is a trans-denominational organization that seeks to identify, support, and inspire young preachers and their calls to preaching.  Founded by Dwight Moody in 2010, the academy holds nationwide conferences when young preachers are invited to preach sermons on the theme of conference. This year,… Read More

The journey to divinity school has been a long, winding road spanning nearly twenty years. I first felt the call to ministry in 1995 through a class meditation in a required course on religion. Through a series of choices and by learning to hear the Divine voice… Read More

Although I am a published songwriter and music publisher with an SESAC affiliation, eventually the business of music on “Music Row” offered more than I could endure. While I realize that my journey to Vanderbilt from 16th to 21st Avenue is one measured in a lifetime rather than any perceptions… Read More

“I believe in God Who made everything in heaven and on earth Including me. Full Deaf and made In the image of God…” –Hannah Lewis[1] The World Health Organization reports nearly 360… Read More