Hello, and welcome to this episode of Rainy Day Conversations around Greatheart’s Table. I’m Randy Greenwald. This is part two of our two part conversation with Dr. Jessie Swigart of Covenant Theological Seminary regarding professional identity formation. In the first part we began to discuss how a pastor comes to think, feel, and act as a pastor, and the implications of unpacking this idea. For pastors to see themselves as professionals is important and healthy, as long as that identity is properly framed. I’d love to hear what you think. I’m grateful for Dr. Swigart’s insight and her time. 

If you have not listened to part one, I’d encourage you to go back and listen. Dr. Swigart is the Dean of Academic Administration and Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries at Covenant Theological Seminary, and her research has focused on professional identity formation in early-career professionals. In the first episode Dr. Swigart helped us understand what these terms mean, and we began to explore what these mean with regard specifically to pastors. The thought that pastors should be considered professionals has been challenged, and Dr. Swigart’s research helps us to see that there are rich benefits in bringing pastors to see themselves as pastors, that they might think, feel, and act as the professionals they are. 

As we move the conversation forward, we begin to think then about how a professional identity is formed, and in doing so, many of the themes that we have tried to nurture here around Greatheart’s Table will be struck. 

And so with that, we plunge back into our conversation.

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EPISODE NOTES

Notes and resources relevant to this episode:

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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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