Remember that exam..?
July 24th, 2007 | No Comments »I was telling you about over the weekend. I did study, but not in a way where I could post anything here. I might still be able to say what sorts of topics we're covering, should people want. I'll need to be vague, though, because I signed a paper this morning promising never to reveal anything about the exam itself to the outside world (that's all of you!). Since the material we're studying is essentially also the test… Subject areas, I'm sure, are no problem, but specifics are out.
At any rate, remember the exam? I passed! That was the hardest multiple-choice test I've ever encountered. Now I see what they mean by "graduate level multiple choice!" Very challenging. I received an 87.5%! Passed! Phew!1
We've moved into the "second block" of instruction, which is about the tools we need as chaplains. Today, for example, we started in on pastoral counseling. There's a book we're using that looks to be quite impressive IMHO. Solution-Based Pastoral Counseling, by Charles Allen Kollar. The method he suggests takes focus off of the counselee's problem and on the solution, and assumes the counselee has the God-given tools to get there. The counselor doesn't need to be an expert, just a guide through the process. That may be a simplistic summary, but seems pretty close from what I've read and skimmed thus far. At the least it is worth a read through for all of you pastors out there.
I'm sharing a copy of the book with another student, so need to pass that along to him now.
Back! At any rate… Other significant issues. Ran two miles on Monday morning. Not huge for runners, but for someone who practices to 1.5 miles that's something new. And the Protestant worship service on Monday morning was lead by yours truly. We did a spoken service of Morning Prayer, Rite II, with the propers for Mary Magdalene, complete with responsive psalm, choir-style seating, and nice silent periods. Some, I think, were more comfortable with it than others, but it was mainly well received. For contrast, up until Monday we've been singing two or three contemporary songs (stuff I know and like, so don't take that wrong), and hearing a sermon by one of the other chaplains.
Okay, I need to get away from the keyboard for a bit! Later!
- I don't think that constitutes "discussing the test," right? I'm not revealing content, specific questions or answers. Just that it was hard! If future students here happen across this post, all they'll know is this: WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO STUDY HARD, BELIEVE THEM! [back]