Lauren Bennett (M.Div.)

Surrounded by people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities at Wesley, my faith in God was strengthened and understanding of ministry widened. I thought I would come to seminary to find answers to my questions of theology and religion, but instead, I am liberated from thinking there are right answers to find. I am grateful to leave Wesley not with easy answers, but with deeper questions. Wesley taught me the importance of taking risks as I have learned to integrate dance, art, and poetry with worship, preaching, and teaching. As I prepare for where the Spirit is moving me next, my commitment to justice and mercy is intensified; a hermeneutic of suspicion is aroused; imagination is sparked. Ministry is seeking ways to creatively fight against the gods of money, power, and luxury to be a force of love and peace in the world. Indeed, God is present in every part of creation, yearning for us to connect responsively to the earth and one another, most especially the poor, oppressed, and dismissed.

After graduation, I will continue working for Metropolitan Community Churches as the Conference Coordinator, transitioning into the role of a local pastor in August.