Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1410953
ENGAGE 9 HOLY INTERRUPTION office space became storage for clothes, shoes, blankets, sleeping bags, and more that they sort and deliver to those in need. THE GIFT OF ADAPTABILITY Clearly, Isaac can include the ability and readiness to adapt and grow among his gifts. This is true for his time at Denver Seminary, as well. Isaac's story of a "holy interruption" is less about the changes that led him to Denver Seminary and more about his willingness to be open to an unexpected educational path. Isaac always knew that a seminary education was in his future, and in 2018 he enrolled in on-campus courses at Denver Seminary, a school that afforded him the opportunity to go to class in-person or online and that provided a nondenominational education. He was on his way to earning his MA in Justice and Mission, eager to build his education around the work he was already doing. However, it wasn't long before a calling to focus on the biblical languages drew Isaac into the Master of Divinity program, and one more change of course finally landed him in the MA in New Testament program. "Before I graduated from undergrad, I knew that one day I'd like to get a PhD, so I gave myself permission to consider my seminary experience through a different lens," he says. Isaac is quick to add that his calling to minister to the hurting world was never in question and he believes that what he learned while focusing on justice and mission will remain an invaluable part of his seminary experience. Isaac credits the support he has received from his professors at Denver Seminary as one reason he stepped back and prayerfully considered and reconsidered his educational opportunities. He says Dr. Patty Pell, chair of the Justice and Mission program; Dr. Joseph Dodson, associate professor of New Testament; and Dr. Craig Blomberg, distinguished professor of New Testament, have encouraged his exploration of why he is at Denver Seminary and how Christ is leading him during this time. Through all of the changes that Isaac has faced within his ministry and his education, he remains clear about this: "I haven't been confused about my time at Denver Seminary. I have gained clarity along the way and zeroed in on what I want to do now and in the future. I've been given permission to dream, and that has been amazing." Hear more about Isaac's story and ministry on episode 69 of the Seminary's Engage360 podcast at denverseminary.edu/podcast. Isaac Olivarez is an MA in New Testament student at Denver Seminary. He is the founder of Urban Outreach Denver (lovedenver.org) and is married to Jaime Olivarez. They have three kids, Isabella, Abraham, and Nasya.