What would it be like to take most of my classes online? As my first day of seminary approached I felt a combination of exhilaration and curiosity about doing coursework online. Although I had used an online component in my teaching of college writing, including the use of Blackboard, it had been about fifteen years since I took a class online myself. In fact, I had only ever taken one course online, so I had concerns about how this would all work.

The first day of class arrived and my online cohort group immediately made it fun as people posted their “first day of school” photos. I had to join in, and I spent some time stacking up all my textbooks on my head.

As the day went on, I logged onto my courses and posted introductions. Quickly, I dove into the reading and writing and found the rhythm of taking classes online.

Over the next few weeks I would find myself meeting with classmates over Google Hangouts, on phone calls, and in interaction online. It became apparent to me that our developing sense of community was just as strong as it would have been in person. Perhaps it’s because so many of us already relate this way to friends and family who live far away, but I ultimately credit the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives in the ways we are brought together.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25