Master of Divinity
While at Garrett- Evangelical, I found the focus of my future work in God’s ministry and clarification of my calling. During Dr. Mark Teasdale’s class, “Empowering Congregations for Evangelism,” I discovered my passion for evangelism and reclaiming it as an act of love, not hate or condemnation.
One of my most formative learning experiences came from an intensive course I took with Dr. Mark Fowler on church administration and leadership. I learned more in those two weeks about leadership and practical application for a pastor in a church than at any other time. I know those lessons and information will serve me well going forward working in local churches.
At Garrett-Evangelical, I also discovered a calling to help struggling congregations rebuild—church recovery, as I like to call it. So many churches are teetering on the edge of dying, churches that I believe can be brought back and strengthened with the right leadership approach and by leading with God’s love. It is my hope for my work in God’s ministry to help these congregations become vibrant and relevant again, both in their local communities and the world.
Master of Divinity
Being at Garrett-Evangelical has deeply shaped my calling not only through my academic studies, but also through small group discussions and mentoring during the Vocational Formation and Church Leadership course meetings. Every semester, we were asked to observe what was going on in our ministries. My colleagues and I discussed and wrestled with all kinds of issues concerning our callings and how we understood our ministries. We were amazed that we saw ourselves using and applying all kinds of theologies and knowledge that we were learning in the classroom. Finally, we could spell out, “Who am I before God,” together.
In addition to these classroom experiences, I am so thankful for my on-campus work opportunity as a student librarian until I graduated. Every semester, the library provided events for people, including student workers. My supervisor, Mary-Carol, made gifts for student workers, and she was a warm care-giver. I’ve learned a lot both in the classroom and the United Library about what it means to be a pastor I am serving now at Dixon First United Methodist Church as associate pastor. My hope is to be a servant connecting people with Jesus Christ so they may live abundant lives with God and in their communities.
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