Student Spotlight – Bruce Clarke

What inspired you to apply to HJI and your program? What do you most appreciate about being a student at HJI?

As a teacher at a premier public high school for over 25 years, I knew I wanted to do something special and different for the rest of my life. Memories of my many years in children’s and youth ministry are joy-filled and deeply satisfying. I held onto a sense of doing something like that again: diving into something that concerned communicating God’s love, wisdom, history and grace. 

Once I jumped into a master’s level class in the Fall of 2021, my expectations were surpassed by the quality of the different kinds of challenges presented by the various professors. Some challenges were more academic, and some more spiritual and personal. I have really appreciated the classes in Church History by Dr. Michael Mickler and those by Dr. Andrew Wilson which deepened my love for the whole of Christianity, the Bible and the Jewish people. At the same time, I have made huge strides in writing my spiritual autobiography as part of my doctoral coursework with Dr. Drissa Kone. 

The sheer diversity of the international student body has also been deeply stimulating.

If applicable, share about the benefits of your online learning experience

The online classes have enabled me to spend evenings taking classes while continuing to teach at my school. It has been a big challenge to balance both, but that’s how many people in today’s changing world are creating transitions and improvements in their lives. 

The environment at HJI is welcoming, challenging and, like most learning done anywhere, more about what you put into it. I’ve invested time in reading and writing on course topics that have helped me advance in my current career as well as set up a platform for my next phase of life.

Is there any other highlight or aspect of your study at HJI that you would like to share?

I have made many new friends through attending HJI from around the world, but also friends from different generations, both younger and older than myself. This has been a rich reward.

My experience has given me more tools to have a more direct impact on my local church culture. My pastor has been able to trust in what I’m learning and its practical application in positively stimulating the community.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

Gardening, keeping fit through stretching/yoga and exercise, exploring American history, climbing indoor rock walls, special meals with my wife and son (great cooks both), and reading widely.