All Things Seminary

I made a teeensy announcement on Instagram last night. 

I'm so excited to let you guys in on something that's been brewing in my heart for a while.

Seminary school. 

My heart beats for ministry. Jesus is literally constantly flowing through my mind, whether it's at a Bible study, in Lower Body Blast, on a coffee date, or sitting in a work meeting. He's just always there. And because of that, sometimes it feels like this heart and this mind were created to work in a full-time ministry position. 

But can I let you in on a little secret? On days where I dream of being able to devote all of my hours each day to speaking and teaching and writing and studying and counseling and praying and doing life on mission, I have to remind myself that I already am in full-time ministry. Because I am. And you are too. 

If you carry the Holy Spirit in your heart, then you're on full-time ministry. Period. It doesn't matter if you work at a church, at a non-profit organization, or at an engineering company {like me}. You're on mission for Christ where ever you go. 

And that being said, yes, it's a dream of mine to one day work in a more ministry-focused role. But, I have a bigger, more important dream first. 

It's to be obedient to God where ever I'm called. 

Whether that's in a ministry role, a corporate America role, or a stay at home mom role. I want to be obedient, first and foremost. So I gave this not-so-little dream of mine to God, and said "not my will, but yours."

And He responded: seminary school. 

Cuuuue the fear. And excitement, don't get me wrong. First came the excitement, "I'd get to study the word of God??? Like, really study it and get a grade and all that jazz??

Ohmahgoshhh!" 

For a nerd who loves school, and a girl who never went to private Christian anything, that just sounds like Disneyland for me. Disneyland, I tell ya.

But then, came the fear. "What does this meannn, God? Do I go to school full time? Do I quit my job? Do I take out student loans? Do I move?"  And God was all "Woahhh, slow down child. One thing at a time. Just wait." 

And so, I did. I assumed this was a distant future thing, and did what any normal, waiting person would do. I researched the heck out of it, and made an appointment to meet with my pastor and talk all things seminary. 

See, normal waiting. {sarcasm font}

In all honesty, I didn't expect anything to happen quickly. I expected this to be a labor in prayer type of thing, one that would take years of preparing and praying before anything really happened. 

But then, since my pastor had recommended Fuller Theological Seminary, I decided to check out their web page. And while checking out their web page, I browsed their programs. And while browsing their programs, I came across the Certificate of Christian Studies program: a 6 course certificate program that can be done entirely online, at your own pace. 

And then, again, I did what any normal, waiting person would do. 

I applied immediately. 

Everything about it felt right. I could do classes online, so I wouldn't have to make any rash decisions about my career or location. It's an introductory certificate, something that's perfect for a girl like me with no formal Biblical education background. And most importantly, my heart just jumped at the opportunity to learn more about Jesus, and what it means to live life for Him. 

So there you have it, starting on September 29th, I will officially be a seminary student.

Oh, Jesus. You sure know how to romance a girl. I love You, and I love this life that we're doing together. It never gets boring, that's for sure.