My McCormick Journey
May 7, 2025
Monica Moss
Master of Arts in Ministry
Which McCormick tradition, practice, activity, or policy are you most proud of?
Returning to seminary after many years away from school was an adjustment that required time to acclimate to a new lifestyle of studying, reading, writing, and processing everything I was experiencing. What I am most proud of is the growth in my writing, both in structure and content. Looking back on some of my earlier writings, I realize that the writing process demands technical awareness as well as the courage to present one's interpretation of information and ideas. I have noticed tremendous growth in my ability to express my thoughts and to convey an understanding of content from my own perspective.
What is your most difficult in-seminary memory?
The loss of two of my professors, Dr. David Daniels and Rev. Jesùs Màrquez Guytàn, was the most difficult experience during my time as a McCormick student. Each of them was an exceptional instructor who deeply impacted and broadened my theological understanding. They offered new perspectives on people of color and their contributions to Christianity, both historically and contemporarily. They also challenged me to consider the future of our faith as it continues to benefit from an expanding acceptance of diverse voices, truths, and experiences.
What is your most memorable McCormick event?
Making new friends and finding a network of colleagues was an unexpected bonus of becoming a McCormick student. Time spent learning in the classroom from professors and classmates was incredibly memorable. Each of my courses offered a moment of revelation - the ah ha moment. What stands out as most memorable was in Dr. Reggie Williams' class, Leadership Amidst Diversity, when I discovered my emerging voice as a theologian. In a reflection paper, I took the first leap to truly express my interpretation of theology as faith seeking understanding.
What was the most enjoyable book you had to read for seminary work?
Our first book in Pilgrimages in Faith, Nobody Cries When We Die, by Patrick B. Reyes, Ph.D., stands out as an impactful work. The book The Inward Journey and the speech delivered in 1980 at Spelman College's Baccalaureate, The Sound of the Genuine, by Howard Thurman, were also critical for my growth and development. The primary historical sources in Dr. Daniel's class truly added color and meaning to my historical interpretations. Surprisingly, in the last course I took at the Lutheran School of Theology, I focused on the works of Cole Arthur Riley - Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems and Meditations for Staying Human and This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation and the Stories that Make Us.
What was your favorite class and why?
That is a difficult one to answer because each course taught a subject matter that I grew from and added to the foundation of my theological, religious, and spiritual framework. Each class and each professor provided at least one, but often many "light bulb' moments that inspired, enlightened, and challenged our paradigms and illuminated our imaginings.
In retrospect, do you think your expectations when you joined the seminary have been met?
My expectations have been exceeded academically, but perhaps more importantly, personally. The person I was before entering seminary has undergone significant transformation, and I emerge with a new life mission and a deeper understanding of my faith, vocational direction, and myself as a person and a minister.
What is your advice to the continuing students?
Trust God and trust yourself. Allow yourself the gift of curiosity and take advantage of the many resources available both inside and outside the classroom. Become a part of the rich and diverse community at McCormick. Allow time to absorb what you are learning and forge friendships that will last throughout your many years ahead. Even with a rigorous workload, enjoy yourself and be open to taking risks! Also, attend Chapel frequently. At Chapel, we benefit from worship that includes and celebrates the traditions and voices of our community, reflecting God's Creation.
Any parting thoughts or final reflections you would like to share?
While I graduate, I still plan to be part of the McCormick Family. These two years have transformed me in ways I have yet to discover. I leave this educational journey ready and excited for the next steps ordered by the Lord. Seminary is designed to develop critical thinking, which may sometimes cause discomfort, but that pain signifies growth. In benediction and blessing, I offer: Ephesians 3:20-21: Now to God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to God be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.