Ariel

Master of Arts in Religion graduate, May 2010

I recently graduated with my MAR and I appreciate the various perspectives I have been exposed to through Urbana Seminary and my churches. It has made me the person I am today. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, I moved to the Chicago suburbs for a job. After a few years of working, I moved back to Champaign-Urbana to take a different job. I also wanted a seminary education and was drawn to Urbana Seminary because of its small class size, personal interactions with personable professors, and its reputation for academic excellence.

It has been challenging for me to balance work, church, and personal life with a vigorous academia. But gracious and understanding professors have come along my side to help me do my best and finish each semester strong. Another challenge was to learn to think for myself. It’s easier for me to accept the beliefs that were taught to me, rather than critically think through ideas. Hashing out different perspectives in theology seemed excessive but I grew to enjoy the exercise in the second theology class. Learning analytical and critical thinking skills proved to be very valuable when reading the Bible or evaluating Christian thought and doctrine. Urbana Seminary came at a crucial point in my life when I questioned and evaluated my own beliefs and values. The Seminary has guided me to formulate a deeper understanding of Christianity and my faith. I was challenged to live out the blessings from the great impact of the Gospel.

My degree has helped me in my personal relationship with God so that I am growing to love Him more. It has equipped me to study the Bible more deeply and to learn to apply this knowledge. I want to use it in my profession as well. Eventually I plan to either go to Prague as an English Teacher or to Vienna to serve at a refugee center, loving the people through relationships and discipleship. I want to bring the blessings to others, be the hands and feet of Christ, to serve the church and the community.

A little more from Ariel:
What have you found most helpful while studying at Urbana Seminary?
The support of professors and fellow students were most helpful while studying at Urbana Seminary. I hear that seminary can be a dry time for students but this was not the experience here at Urbana Seminary. It has been such a blessing. Our professors not only have our intellectual growth in mind but they also want to see us grow spiritually and to become the man and woman of God equipped to serve Him. Their love and passion to serve God is contagious. Students in my class come from different backgrounds and ministries. Their pursuit to know God and to serve others also encouraged me.

What is your favorite class and why?
It’s hard to have a favorite class because each class was excellent in its own way according to its area of study. I loved them all. But if I had to choose a favorite class, it would be “Cross Cultural Worship” because of my predisposition towards practical ministry. We learned about the various aspects of worship in different cultures such as Greek Orthodox, Asian American, African, and Hispanic Christianity. Each culture reflected God in different ways. This class gave me a glimpse of what it might look like when every tribe and nation will worship God. It’s fascinating to see how God works in the context of man.

Tell me about a standout memory from your program at Urbana Seminary.
It was my birthday and the professor went out to buy me cupcakes for the class. We also would go out to McDonald’s to get coffee and food to fuel our brain for hashing out theology in class during breaks. Classmates shared prayer requests and praises. It was great because we had fellowship in food, intellect, and shared our personal lives. Although the class was challenging, we also had a lot of fun and learned to celebrate or respect each other’s differences.

Give me some advice you would like to offer new Urbana Seminary students.
To make the most out of the time at Urbana Seminary, get to know your professors and classmates. They have so much to offer. Prayer before studying and while studying and about studying was effective. I experienced the Spirit’s work in my own heart and fresh powerful encounters with God. It motivated and strengthened me through the challenges.