Molly Citation
May 01, 2009
Board of Trustees Citation -- Molly Bennett
The Board of Trustees of Seminary of the Southwest thanks you, Molly Bennett, for a creative and personal ten-year ministry to scores of youth ministers and Christian educators throughout the Church.
You with five other members of our community crafted the innovative Certificate Program in Youth Ministry and Christian Education when you joined our faculty in 1999. The goal of the program is to offer participants the instruction, discussion, theological reflection, practical ministry skills, worship and spiritual formation that will enhance their ministries. You fulfilled this goal in exemplary fashion with characteristic care, imagination, patience and wit. Whether it was watching television episodes of "Iron Chef" with students during free time evenings, hosting barbecue dinners at your home or delighting where Frank (aka the elusive St. Francis statue) would show up next on the campus of Camp Allen, you ministered to the ministers.
Simply put - Certificate students love you. "Molly makes you feel like the most important person in the world - she cultivates time and space for you. She's the rare person who welcomes you - just as you are," said one student. Another describes you as "a teacher and a spiritual guide with an all-knowing (and sometimes devious) smile and kind eyes. In humble friendship, Molly probes the hearts and minds of her students and leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves and God's creation."
Students also rejoice in being in a network of lay leaders - both program graduates and current students. The Certificate Network provides advice and support to lay ministers who previously labored alone with no guidance or sense of community. And, you Molly, are the Hub of the Certificate Network Spoke.
We also give thanks, Molly, for the informative elective course you taught for seminary students - Resources and Strategies for Christian Education - as well as the learned counsel you gave to each of your advisees over ten years. Your presence on campus enhanced our community daily.
Best Wishes for Creative Retirement Years!
