Jody Gunn, Master of Divinity Connections
Printer-friendly versionJody Gunn
(MDiv Connections)
In the summer of 2006, I made a pact with a high school friend to make our fortieth decade significant. My goal was to complete my Master of Divinity degree before I turned fifty years old. Inside I asked myself and God, "How is this was going to be possible?" Eventually, I was willing to be open to it. My life seemed crazy enough without adding seminary to the mix. I am married to Eric and have two children 15 and 10, so I run a household. I serve a church half time and find many opportunities to volunteer in our community. In spite of the busyness of my life I said "Yes!" to Bethany because I really was at a point in my life where it made sense.
I am a TRIM graduate (certificate program in the Brethren Academy) and was ordained in 2005. Some might think I have arrived when it comes to the steps you take to be ordained in the Church of the Brethren, but I always looked at TRIM as a stepping stone to further education. The learning as a pastor never stops. I anticipate personal, spiritual, and professional growth, while completing the Bethany Master of Divinity Connections program.
I considered coming to Bethany before, but now seems to be the perfect time. While I spent much of my life in California, a member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren, I currently live in Washington, DC with my husband, Van, and our two sons, Cabral (age 6) and Mattai (age 2).