What is the soul of ASP?

A student admitted for Fall 2001 was wondering whether to attend ASP after all. It was going to be more expensive than she thought, and she wasn't really sure what she was getting into. Was ASP really worth the additional cost and effort simply to end up with a fascinating Washington, DC visit and some additional political science credits? What follows is an edited version of what I wrote in response to her email...

Dear friend: You are asking the right questions about ASP. From what you say of your interests and emerging vocational vision, you seem to be the kind of person who should do well here. Let me explain.

First, ASP is not simply a political science program. It is an interdisciplinary, issue-oriented program that explores the meaning of the gospel for contemporary American life. ASP starts with policy related to breaking events, but it doesn't end there. It uses authors, readings and concepts from a variety of fields, including political science, economics, history, sociology, ethics, theology, and, of course, the policy sciences. Furthermore, though we'll spend time in the classroom, learning goes on 24/7. Perhaps the best things you'll come away with will happen at your internship, in apartment bull-sessions, in a coffee shop downtown or sitting next to the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial.

Second, what the ASP team strives for each semester is to help ASP students leave here with a deeper understanding of their place in the world as a minister of Jesus Christ. There are no careers honored here as being more spiritual. Every legitimate occupation is a mission field for Christ-centered ministry. Nor does the program advocate any particular ideology as being more Christian. Rather, we want you to think in biblically informed ways about all kinds of policy options and career paths. Our hope is you will deepen your vocational vision as you walk between the classroom and internship. Test your faith and your classroom learning in the crucible of your on-the-job experiences. Some students say ASP is one of the richest semesters of their college experience. Why do they say that? It is because in combining work and study, action and reflection, we come up against real-life questions. It is because students confront experiences and take the opportunity to learn from other students in ways that help them discover what it means to connect their biblical faith with real life. They find new ways to put their gifts, interests and career hopes to work in the service of Christ's kingdom.

Third, our program's mission statement is: "Connecting biblical faith with public life and vocation." We believe vocation is not just occupation. It is rather a response to God's special call on one's life. It involves that special place he has for us in advancing his kingdom in some particular field or arena of service. For us, public life is not merely political involvement. It is rather the multiple personal and public responsibilities we share as citizens for the welfare of humanity, here and abroad. I think ASP can help you deepen your reflection on these kinds of life issues.

So, my friend, if you want to explore these kinds of questions in a community of fellow students and travelers on The Way, I think you will find this program beneficial to you far beyond the college credits you'll earn. I want to invite you to help deepen the conversation we hope to have together next semester. May the Lord give you peace in your decision.

-- Dr. Jerry Herbert, Director