FAQ's-Questions We Are Continually Asked
Since we announced this news to our family and friends, there have been lots of questions. Here is our best attempt to answer the most popular ones we have received:
1. Why are you converting to Anglicanism?
TJ: The simple answer is that I have sensed a calling to the priesthood. While I experienced a call to the ministry over a decade ago, I wasn't sure exactly about what facet of ministry I would land in. So, I did a lot of youth ministry since my calling because I was very passionate about sharing God's love with teenagers. While working as a Youth Minister I began to feel a pull towards something else and I didn't quite realize what this meant until recently. Why Anglicanism? Anglicanism embodies priestly ministry in such a way that I can fully connect with. Anglicans treasure the notion of "Via Media," which means "balance." They hold a lot of things in the balance (both ancient and modern, liturgical but relevant, prayerful yet active, contemplative yet studious, etc.). It is the type of church and communion that you want to be a part of. The Anglican worldview also makes most sense to me. I was first drawn in to Anglicanism because of its theology, probably about 10 years ago now. Worldview-wise, I really have been an Anglican ever since.
Ashley: After the first Anglican 1000 conference that TJ attended, he came home energized and told me all about the Anglican Church. I was intrigued, and attended the next conference with him in Chicago. I experienced my first Anglican worship service here, and immediately fell in love with the style of worship. It felt like a modernized version of an ancient church worship service. The priest wore robes and used incense, but the liturgy was easy to follow and the music included both hymns and contemporary songs. Once I learned more about the Anglican Church’s particular theological leanings, I was sold.
2. Why Nashotah House?
TJ: For a few reasons. The very first post (click here) in this blog was about Bishop Salmon and his influence upon my decision. So you can read about that there if you want. Secondly...that chapel...the picture that you see at the top of our website. That is beyond a doubt what matters most to me. The classes, to be honest, are secondary to me, even though I am excited about them as well. Growing closer to Christ in this season is what is most important to me, though. This seminary is unique in that it has chapel services (praying the Biblical Hours/Daily Offices) twice daily. I am excited about the communal rigorous prayer regimen. Lastly, Nashotah House is a reputable Anglican seminary, especially for those who value some of the more ancient aspects of the tradition (liturgy, ascetical lifestyle, common life together, vestments, etc.). The school is unapologetically Benedictine, and follows the Benedictine Rule, which also highly appeals to me. I truly believe that the ancient Church Fathers, their lives and writings, are more applicable and relevant to us today than any of the Reformers were. I even think they are more relevant to us than many of our living modern thinkers and writers. There is a place in the campus library called "the Cage." Not to be confused with the Nicholas Cage skits on SNL. No, this Cage houses a multitude of the writings of the Church Fathers. I am so excited to get more immersed in their ways of thinking and their teachings.
Ashley: I'm not the one attending the school -- I'm just along for the ride :) But really, I enjoyed our first visit to campus, and was struck by how much TJ loved it. I want nothing more than for TJ to be happy and to feel fulfilled, and I think Nashotah House is the perfect fit. I'll admit that I was a little hesitant about the monastic way of life and having to live on campus (I loved living on a campus when I was 18 and single, but would I love it now?), but I'm excited to be a part of a strong community and I know this experience will stretch and strengthen me in immeasurable ways.
3. How is Anglicanism different from the Reformed Church?
TJ: Well, it really shouldn't be that much different at all. a) Anglicanism has stuck much closer to its Catholic roots, however, whereas the Continental Reformed have really meandered away from what they once were. The Reformers were not just Scripturally-minded, they were also Patristically-minded. Now people look at you kind of weird if you quote the Church Fathers frequently. The Reformed churches also used to be highly liturgical and had some sort of self awareness of what this means. Now, however, I would venture to say that most of the Reformed churches have lost their historic depth and liturgical understanding. This is one of the major reasons why I couldn't wait to leave the CRC. I grew really tired of trying help Reformed folks to rediscover some of their own traditions and being rejected. b) From my experience, the Reformed church as a whole is much more culturally Evangelical than Reformed. There are some other distinctions that are important as well: c) the distinction between leadership structures, as Ashley notes below, is very important to me. I never was much of a fan of Elder led church polity during the time that I was in Reformed churches and the Elders in these churches never did anything to sway me otherwise. As a minister, it is also very weird to me that my bosses (the Elders) have been men of a different trade than my own. Where else do you see this in culture? Are construction workers the bosses of lawyers, medical doctors the bosses of elementary school math teachers, or engineers the bosses of dance coaches? Yet, Reformed ministers have bosses who are of a different vocation altogether. This is not the case in Anglicanism. Furthermore, these elders are usually on a rotation (3 years in our tradition). In Anglicanism, my overseer is going to be a bishop, who has devoted his life to full-time ministry and service to the church. d) as I hinted at above, Anglicanism is intentionally "Catholic." I posted a video (click here) on the Youtubes where Bishop Todd Hunter explains this rather well. He also mentions other distinctives of Anglicanism. e) Lastly, there is sooooo much bad Calvinism out there that I have grown tired of constantly having to qualify myself..."no, we are not like Piper," or, "no, we are not like Driscoll." Crappy Calvinism is so pervasive in Christian culture, however, that those of us who are actually trying to stick with the historic Calvinistic faith are getting roped in with the watered down hybrid versions of it.
Ashley: The thing I feel is most different is the leadership structure of the Anglican Church as compared to the Reformed Church. The Anglican Church has a singular leadership structure, while the Reformed Church utilizes an ever-changing board of elders. Also, our particular diocese is open to women in positions of leadership within the church, whereas the Reformed Church district (Classis) we are leaving is opposed to women in leadership (this difference was important to me).
4. What will TJ’s daily schedule be like?
TJ: I will be in prayer and class all day throughout the week from like 8 to 5. We get Wednesdays off, however, for rest, family time and study. We also get the weekends off.
5. Do you have a place to live in Wisconsin?
TJ: See below.
Ashley: Yes! As a requirement for the Master of Divinity program, we have to live on campus. Nashotah House has apartments available for families.
6. Do you have a job lined up?
TJ: I am a Refectorian on campus, which is a fancy word for head of the dish-washing crew. The position is tied to a generous scholarship. So, I don't get paid for it like a normal job. I do get a big tuition cut, though. I don't think I will have the time to work much because my daily routine is going to be so rigorous. I am looking into summer internships, however.
Ashley: Yes! After Jason was born, I quit my full-time job and increased my evening hours at the dance studio. This allowed us to skip the crazy cost of childcare (yay!), because I was home with Jason during the day and went to work after TJ came home for the day. This schedule worked for us and our budget, so I was hopeful that I could continue to be at home with Jason in the daytime and still be able to work after we moved. I contacted several dance studios near Nashotah, and accepted a job at Studio One. I will be teaching ballet, contemporary, pom, and stretch/conditioning two nights a week. I am also in the process of phone interviews with two other studios, as I would like at least one more night of classes.
7. How are you feeling about this?
TJ: Super excited! This is a dream come true for me in so many ways. I am also really excited about our new church home. We are going to be going to Christ Redeemer Anglican in the River West neighborhood in Milwaukee. The first time we attended, Ashley and I wished that everyone we knew could experience it. It is a great church and a genuine community. I was really nervous and worried about everything a few weeks ago. "Is God really calling us into this? Will he really provide for us? What if I am delusional? What if this is a horrible mistake, leaving a good salary and our wonderful house? What Jason can't adjust? What if Ashley hates living there (ever seen that movie, "The 5 Year Engagement?")?" I had all of these thoughts racing through my mind. God, however, has been providing. Ashley's studio jobs are already going to cover what we need for our cost of living. I also have received some really great scholarships that will cover most, if not all, of my tuition. Most importantly, however, is that Ashley and I both have sensed this calling. This has been such a huge confirmation and comfort for me. Lastly, I am also really excited for Ashley. Whenever God originally called us into this, I just knew that he was going to provide something very meaningful for her has well. I knew that this would be a season where would could both pursue something that we love. So, it has been so cool to see these dance studio jobs just falling into her lap. I couldn't be more excited for her and am very, very grateful to the Lord that he opened the door wide open for her in this.
Ashley: Mostly excited, and a little nervous. I have never lived anywhere other than Missouri, and I don't know anyone in Wisconsin (aside from the handful of Anglicans I have only briefly met). I should be more nervous about selling our house and being able to afford to live on my salary alone, but I'm not. I have full faith that God will provide! I love a good adventure, so I am looking forward to a completely new experience.
8. Where is Nashotah?
TJ: It is right outside of Milwaukee.
Ashley: In a beautiful part of southeast Wisconsin, surrounded by lakes and not too far from Chicago.
9. What about your house in St. Louis?
TJ: It is waiting for you to buy it.
Ashley: It's on the market. Do you want to buy it?
10. Can Ralphie go with you?
TJ: Yes.
Ashley: Yep! He's excited, I can tell.
11. Are you excited about Wisconsin winters?
TJ: Absolutely! I am so warm blooded. Plus, the cassock that I have to wear will keep me warm! Ashley: Absolutely not.
12. What are your plans after seminary?
TJ: Whatever God tells us. We've been thinking about church planting. God has given me a lot of vision over the last few months for what a new church can look like, but I am not sure where God is going to send us just yet. Our Diocese has 10 year vision of starting up 100 new churches and training 200 new leaders to start these churches. So, we are strongly considering this direction and praying heavily about it. Also, importantly, the church that we will be attending is a new church plant. So, I am excited to learn from Fr. Tony about how he and the other leaders of the church started this new community up.
Ashley: Still praying on that one. We may end up back in Missouri, or God may lead us somewhere else. Either way, TJ will be pursuing ordination in the Anglican Church, so we can all call him Father Teej.
1. Why are you converting to Anglicanism?
TJ: The simple answer is that I have sensed a calling to the priesthood. While I experienced a call to the ministry over a decade ago, I wasn't sure exactly about what facet of ministry I would land in. So, I did a lot of youth ministry since my calling because I was very passionate about sharing God's love with teenagers. While working as a Youth Minister I began to feel a pull towards something else and I didn't quite realize what this meant until recently. Why Anglicanism? Anglicanism embodies priestly ministry in such a way that I can fully connect with. Anglicans treasure the notion of "Via Media," which means "balance." They hold a lot of things in the balance (both ancient and modern, liturgical but relevant, prayerful yet active, contemplative yet studious, etc.). It is the type of church and communion that you want to be a part of. The Anglican worldview also makes most sense to me. I was first drawn in to Anglicanism because of its theology, probably about 10 years ago now. Worldview-wise, I really have been an Anglican ever since.
Ashley: After the first Anglican 1000 conference that TJ attended, he came home energized and told me all about the Anglican Church. I was intrigued, and attended the next conference with him in Chicago. I experienced my first Anglican worship service here, and immediately fell in love with the style of worship. It felt like a modernized version of an ancient church worship service. The priest wore robes and used incense, but the liturgy was easy to follow and the music included both hymns and contemporary songs. Once I learned more about the Anglican Church’s particular theological leanings, I was sold.
2. Why Nashotah House?
TJ: For a few reasons. The very first post (click here) in this blog was about Bishop Salmon and his influence upon my decision. So you can read about that there if you want. Secondly...that chapel...the picture that you see at the top of our website. That is beyond a doubt what matters most to me. The classes, to be honest, are secondary to me, even though I am excited about them as well. Growing closer to Christ in this season is what is most important to me, though. This seminary is unique in that it has chapel services (praying the Biblical Hours/Daily Offices) twice daily. I am excited about the communal rigorous prayer regimen. Lastly, Nashotah House is a reputable Anglican seminary, especially for those who value some of the more ancient aspects of the tradition (liturgy, ascetical lifestyle, common life together, vestments, etc.). The school is unapologetically Benedictine, and follows the Benedictine Rule, which also highly appeals to me. I truly believe that the ancient Church Fathers, their lives and writings, are more applicable and relevant to us today than any of the Reformers were. I even think they are more relevant to us than many of our living modern thinkers and writers. There is a place in the campus library called "the Cage." Not to be confused with the Nicholas Cage skits on SNL. No, this Cage houses a multitude of the writings of the Church Fathers. I am so excited to get more immersed in their ways of thinking and their teachings.
Ashley: I'm not the one attending the school -- I'm just along for the ride :) But really, I enjoyed our first visit to campus, and was struck by how much TJ loved it. I want nothing more than for TJ to be happy and to feel fulfilled, and I think Nashotah House is the perfect fit. I'll admit that I was a little hesitant about the monastic way of life and having to live on campus (I loved living on a campus when I was 18 and single, but would I love it now?), but I'm excited to be a part of a strong community and I know this experience will stretch and strengthen me in immeasurable ways.
3. How is Anglicanism different from the Reformed Church?
TJ: Well, it really shouldn't be that much different at all. a) Anglicanism has stuck much closer to its Catholic roots, however, whereas the Continental Reformed have really meandered away from what they once were. The Reformers were not just Scripturally-minded, they were also Patristically-minded. Now people look at you kind of weird if you quote the Church Fathers frequently. The Reformed churches also used to be highly liturgical and had some sort of self awareness of what this means. Now, however, I would venture to say that most of the Reformed churches have lost their historic depth and liturgical understanding. This is one of the major reasons why I couldn't wait to leave the CRC. I grew really tired of trying help Reformed folks to rediscover some of their own traditions and being rejected. b) From my experience, the Reformed church as a whole is much more culturally Evangelical than Reformed. There are some other distinctions that are important as well: c) the distinction between leadership structures, as Ashley notes below, is very important to me. I never was much of a fan of Elder led church polity during the time that I was in Reformed churches and the Elders in these churches never did anything to sway me otherwise. As a minister, it is also very weird to me that my bosses (the Elders) have been men of a different trade than my own. Where else do you see this in culture? Are construction workers the bosses of lawyers, medical doctors the bosses of elementary school math teachers, or engineers the bosses of dance coaches? Yet, Reformed ministers have bosses who are of a different vocation altogether. This is not the case in Anglicanism. Furthermore, these elders are usually on a rotation (3 years in our tradition). In Anglicanism, my overseer is going to be a bishop, who has devoted his life to full-time ministry and service to the church. d) as I hinted at above, Anglicanism is intentionally "Catholic." I posted a video (click here) on the Youtubes where Bishop Todd Hunter explains this rather well. He also mentions other distinctives of Anglicanism. e) Lastly, there is sooooo much bad Calvinism out there that I have grown tired of constantly having to qualify myself..."no, we are not like Piper," or, "no, we are not like Driscoll." Crappy Calvinism is so pervasive in Christian culture, however, that those of us who are actually trying to stick with the historic Calvinistic faith are getting roped in with the watered down hybrid versions of it.
Ashley: The thing I feel is most different is the leadership structure of the Anglican Church as compared to the Reformed Church. The Anglican Church has a singular leadership structure, while the Reformed Church utilizes an ever-changing board of elders. Also, our particular diocese is open to women in positions of leadership within the church, whereas the Reformed Church district (Classis) we are leaving is opposed to women in leadership (this difference was important to me).
4. What will TJ’s daily schedule be like?
TJ: I will be in prayer and class all day throughout the week from like 8 to 5. We get Wednesdays off, however, for rest, family time and study. We also get the weekends off.
5. Do you have a place to live in Wisconsin?
TJ: See below.
Ashley: Yes! As a requirement for the Master of Divinity program, we have to live on campus. Nashotah House has apartments available for families.
6. Do you have a job lined up?
TJ: I am a Refectorian on campus, which is a fancy word for head of the dish-washing crew. The position is tied to a generous scholarship. So, I don't get paid for it like a normal job. I do get a big tuition cut, though. I don't think I will have the time to work much because my daily routine is going to be so rigorous. I am looking into summer internships, however.
Ashley: Yes! After Jason was born, I quit my full-time job and increased my evening hours at the dance studio. This allowed us to skip the crazy cost of childcare (yay!), because I was home with Jason during the day and went to work after TJ came home for the day. This schedule worked for us and our budget, so I was hopeful that I could continue to be at home with Jason in the daytime and still be able to work after we moved. I contacted several dance studios near Nashotah, and accepted a job at Studio One. I will be teaching ballet, contemporary, pom, and stretch/conditioning two nights a week. I am also in the process of phone interviews with two other studios, as I would like at least one more night of classes.
7. How are you feeling about this?
TJ: Super excited! This is a dream come true for me in so many ways. I am also really excited about our new church home. We are going to be going to Christ Redeemer Anglican in the River West neighborhood in Milwaukee. The first time we attended, Ashley and I wished that everyone we knew could experience it. It is a great church and a genuine community. I was really nervous and worried about everything a few weeks ago. "Is God really calling us into this? Will he really provide for us? What if I am delusional? What if this is a horrible mistake, leaving a good salary and our wonderful house? What Jason can't adjust? What if Ashley hates living there (ever seen that movie, "The 5 Year Engagement?")?" I had all of these thoughts racing through my mind. God, however, has been providing. Ashley's studio jobs are already going to cover what we need for our cost of living. I also have received some really great scholarships that will cover most, if not all, of my tuition. Most importantly, however, is that Ashley and I both have sensed this calling. This has been such a huge confirmation and comfort for me. Lastly, I am also really excited for Ashley. Whenever God originally called us into this, I just knew that he was going to provide something very meaningful for her has well. I knew that this would be a season where would could both pursue something that we love. So, it has been so cool to see these dance studio jobs just falling into her lap. I couldn't be more excited for her and am very, very grateful to the Lord that he opened the door wide open for her in this.
Ashley: Mostly excited, and a little nervous. I have never lived anywhere other than Missouri, and I don't know anyone in Wisconsin (aside from the handful of Anglicans I have only briefly met). I should be more nervous about selling our house and being able to afford to live on my salary alone, but I'm not. I have full faith that God will provide! I love a good adventure, so I am looking forward to a completely new experience.
8. Where is Nashotah?
TJ: It is right outside of Milwaukee.
Ashley: In a beautiful part of southeast Wisconsin, surrounded by lakes and not too far from Chicago.
9. What about your house in St. Louis?
TJ: It is waiting for you to buy it.
Ashley: It's on the market. Do you want to buy it?
10. Can Ralphie go with you?
TJ: Yes.
Ashley: Yep! He's excited, I can tell.
11. Are you excited about Wisconsin winters?
TJ: Absolutely! I am so warm blooded. Plus, the cassock that I have to wear will keep me warm! Ashley: Absolutely not.
12. What are your plans after seminary?
TJ: Whatever God tells us. We've been thinking about church planting. God has given me a lot of vision over the last few months for what a new church can look like, but I am not sure where God is going to send us just yet. Our Diocese has 10 year vision of starting up 100 new churches and training 200 new leaders to start these churches. So, we are strongly considering this direction and praying heavily about it. Also, importantly, the church that we will be attending is a new church plant. So, I am excited to learn from Fr. Tony about how he and the other leaders of the church started this new community up.
Ashley: Still praying on that one. We may end up back in Missouri, or God may lead us somewhere else. Either way, TJ will be pursuing ordination in the Anglican Church, so we can all call him Father Teej.
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