Hi! I’m Randy Greenwald, and welcome to this episode of what I call “Rainy Day Conversations around Greatheart’s Table.” I am always on the lookout for generous, gracious, and thoughtful people who have insight into the work of pastors and into the interaction pastors have with their congregations. In this episode, being released in two parts, I had the pleasure of talking to Dr. Jessie Swigart of Covenant Theological Seminary. Her research explores what it means to think, feel, and act as a professional, and we had the opportunity to talk about what that means for pastors. I’m glad you’ve come along to think through these things with us.

I first came across Dr. Swigart when I saw a seminary generated notice of her recently completed PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Her dissertation explored “Professional Identity Formation in Early-Career Professionals.” It was a subject of which I knew nothing, but which intrigued me. Though her research was not limited to pastors – in fact, clergy formed only a small part of her study – the idea of overlap with other professionals, teachers, doctors, lawyers intrigued that part of me that is concerned with preparing young pastors to enter pastoral ministry. 

Since then I’ve had several conversations with Dr. Swigart and with others which has only confirmed for me that what she is exploring is rich with implications for how we all are shaped, and are being shaped, to fill the pastoral role. I think you will come to sense the same.

If you are not a pastor and think that this has nothing to do with you, please reconsider. Pastoral identity is shaped in community, and those in that community can learn much here as well. 

In this, part one, we’ll try to establish some definitions regarding pastoral identity formation, and then with part two we’ll begin to explore more about the way in which community shapes and helps to form that identity. 

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EPISODE NOTES

Notes and resources relevant to this episode:

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Shownotes:

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Dr. Jessie Swigart is an educator and scholar committed to creating learning environments that are both challenging and compassionate—spaces where people grow together in their knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Her PhD research explored professional identity formation among early-career professionals in the helping professions, deepening her appreciation for the vital role of relationships in the lives of those who serve others.

Dr. Swigart serves as Dean of Academic Administration and Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries at Covenant Theological Seminary, where she teaches courses on educational theory and the practice of teaching and learning within the life of the church.

She holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL; a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO; and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. She is a member of New City Fellowship in St. Louis and enjoys gardening and visiting with neighbors while walking her rescue dog, River.

Books mentioned during the episode are the following:

Albert M. Wolters, Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview

Philip Yancey, What’s So Amazing about Grace?: The Key to Transforming a Broken World

When you buy a book using a link on this page, Greatheart’s Table receives a commission. Thank you for supporting this work!

Podcast music provided by Cool Hand Luke and used with permission.
Intro: “Holy Vanguard” / Lyrics
Outro: “Wonder Tour” / Lyrics / Video

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