May 9, 2012

Graduating

This Saturday, I will be graduating from LCU with my M.A. in Christian Education. Today at a luncheon honoring seminary graduates, I had the opportunity to share how my time at LCU shaped me. I thought that it would be appropriate to share this on my blog as well since my time at Lincoln has been very important to me.

"For the last seven years, I have called Lincoln Christian University my home, four of those years in undergrad and the last three in seminary. I’m extremely thankful for the way that LCU has shaped me, especially in my time at seminary. I finished college not knowing exactly what God had in store for me, and going to seminary helped to me to better understand what my passions are. As I have progressed through my degree, it has become more clear where God is leading me and how he is shaping me for ministry. Through the Seminary at Lincoln, God has been equipping me so that I can equip others.

Through this process, I have gained a better understanding of myself. I understand my personality better and how I fit in God’s kingdom. This was one of my main questions when I finished my undergraduate studies. In a seemingly extroverted world, I wondered how God wanted to use an introvert like me. Now I better understand who I am, my strengths, the gifts and abilities that God has given me, and also the areas that I need where to be challenged. The seminary has helped to give me this self-awareness that will help me in ministry.

Seminary has also taught me the importance of study. This isn’t learning for the sake of having more knowledge, but studying to be a better servant leader. Even though I have completed my degree, my education is not done. It is important to continually study to better understand God’s word and the work to which he has called us.

For all of this, I just want to say thank you. Lincoln Christian University has played an important role in my life. It shaped not only my life, but the lives of my grandpa, my parents, and my wife. The education that I have received here will shape my ministry for many years to come. To all of the professors, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for devoting your lives to teaching God’s word with integrity. You make LCU what it is and I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to learn from you all whether it was in class, in chapel, at the Bible and Theology symposiums, or over coffee at the Estep’s house. I pray that the ministry of LCU will continue for many years and continue to positively shape the lives and ministry of its students just as it has shaped me."