Today’s post is for my church family, as I promised to give periodic updates regarding my studies. Thus far, my experience with Sioux Falls Seminary has been overwhelmingly positive – few times in my life have I ever felt such a strong sense that I’m right where God wants me to be.
Here’s a quick overview of what I’ve been up to:
This semester, I’m taking two classes: Biblical Foundations of Sermon Preparation, and Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Vocation. Sermon prep is all about the basics of preaching, and the Spiritual Formation class is focused on self-care. In addition to learning practical information that I’ve been able to implement at church, I am also learning a lot about living a healthy spiritual life.
Last Friday, I was asked to speak and perform at the seminary’s board of trustees dinner here in Omaha. I shared a bit of my story (which you can read about here), performed an original song, and finished with the song Jesus Paid It All. I received a lot of affirmation from the seminary’s representatives that night; they truly care for their students, which means a lot to me.
And here are a couple ways to support me:
Prayer. I cannot stress how important this is. Although I feel that I’m up to the challenge, the reality is that being in full-time ministry and taking graduate-level classes at the same time means more work and more stress. Please pray that I will trust in Christ alone to provide the spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial stability needed to complete my studies. I don’t want to simply survive seminary; I want to thrive. I know this is only possible with your help. Please remember to pray for me regularly.
Financial Support. Through Sioux Falls Seminary’s LIFE Fund program, you have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation toward my educational expenses. While I am grateful that the church is providing some support for my education through the general fund, this only covers a fraction of the total cost. Your support will help me “bridge the gap” between my current income and the costs required to attend seminary, allowing me to concentrate on my studies without becoming distracted.
Please consider giving to the LIFE Fund (and thank you to those of you who already have!). If you’re interested in providing financial support, please contact me and I’ll be happy to pass along some literature. If you choose to contribute to the LIFE Fund, any giving should be above and beyond what you currently give to your church. I do not want to take away from anyone’s tithe or other commitments.
That’s it for now…for my next update, I plan to share some of my coursework so you can get a “taste” of what I’m doing.
Thanks for reading, and thanks so much for investing your friendship, your money, your time, and – most importantly – your prayers in this endeavor. I am moving forward in faith, trusting that God will guide me every step of the way!