Seminary Has Been Paradigm-shifting

Rob Steinbach, Master of Divinity, '22

“Paradigm-shifting.

That’s my answer to the question I was given for this brief reflection, 'What is one word that describes your time at Western?' My time at Western Seminary has been 'paradigm-shifting' mainly in two ways: How I view myself and how I view theology.

When I came to Western, I didn’t see myself as someone who could jump into deep theological waters and swim around. I had been in ministry for a decade. I came with a Bible college degree and I was a part of a theological tribe that basically gave me all the answers I needed. So, for years, my experience in ministry was more to look up the answers that others had found rather than engage in my own work.

Western gave me the tools, but even more than that an invitation to get off the theological bench, so to speak. I live in Bremerton, Wash., where I pastor a church called Seaside. And for one semester I drove down every Monday to take "Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology" and then "Interpreting Prophets and Gospels." And I remember this so clearly as I was driving back after a long day of classes and it was like a door had opened in front of me. I realized that I had my own questions and I didn’t want to just look up the answers. Driving home, I felt this invitation from our Lord to do theology. That invitation came through my professors and the Western Community. And it wasn’t just like I felt challenged to do that – to prove what I think –but welcomed to do so. I’m so grateful for that!

The second paradigm shift I experienced was in how I view theology. I think many students come here thinking they have their theology tied up nice and neat. I know I did. But, studying with others, especially in the cohort I was a part of, helped me realize that there’s a broader, gracious space that exists. I may have my particular views, but within that gospel-centered orthodoxy that Western strives to maintain, I can co-labor and even respect other women and men who may view something different than me. And that has been a great gift! And it’s changed me – it’s made a more gracious theologian and pastor.”