As an alumnus himself, the pastor encouraged her to apply. “Calvin was highly recommended by my head pastor,” says Helen. It was at church that Helen first discovered Calvin Seminary. Not only will her Master’s in Ministry Leadership further strengthen her role as an educational administrator, it will also serve her in her goal of creating unity between various ministries in her church, where she serves as youth pastor. “My calling is to serve students and families in public schools,” she says.Īs the assistant superintendent of a public school district in the Pacific Northwest, Helen knows her ministry will impact all spheres of her life. Seminary students like Gail deserve a program that is radically accessible where they are.Įducation, Youth, and Family concentration Does this look like the average life of a seminary student? Today, perhaps it should. In an average week, you might find Gail volunteering at her church, having coffee with a Dordt student, speaking at a local event, and attending a play group for moms. I often questioned if it was the right time to do school,” says Gail.īecause of the distance learning program, she feels at ease communicating with professors, staying on top of coursework, and connecting with classmates through Zoom meetings. “As a mom of two young children, my time and availability are quite limited. The pair hope to someday plant and pastor a church together.Īs Gail provides pastoral care on campus and partners in raising two young children, she is grateful for the opportunity to plan out her seminary coursework around an already busy schedule. She serves with her husband, Sam, in campus ministries at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. Gail’s passion, as she will enthusiastically tell you, is to shepherd people through pastoral care and the truth of God's Word. “Calvin not only took a personal interest in what God was doing in my life, but they had the desire to walk alongside me in the journey.” “It was a big leap of faith to begin seminary,” Gail says. “Calvin immediately partnered with me and affirmed my gifts, calling, and dreams.”Īs Calvin’s first fully online student in her program, she experienced the seminary’s personal dedication firsthand. For many students, the choice between seminaries is a difficult one.
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