Testimonials:

Which seminary are you attending?

United Lutheran Seminary

Which program of study?

Master of Divinity

When did you first feel called to public ministry?

I remember joining a campus ministry while in college and started to really admire the work of the pastor. He was always there for us, answering all of our often-wild questions about faith, and feeding us every week. I started to feel drawn to this type of work and ministry in general and felt like I needed to explore it further.

Who did you first talk with about exploring the call to ministry?

I talked with my campus pastor who led Pittsburgh Students Active in Lutheran Ministry at Pitt.

What was helpful as you explored a call to ministry?

I spent a lot of time talking to current pastors and seeing what they do and hearing their call stories.

I also was provided with a lot of books and other media to help me explore my sense of call. One of my favorite books was The Rev. Emmy Kegler’s All Who Are Weary: Easing the Burden on the Walk with Mental Illness. I also was encouraged to watch the episode of Queer Eye on Netflix with The Rev. Dr. Noah Hepler. The stories of Pastor Kegler and Pastor Hepler helped me to see that my queerness and mental health struggles did not limit me from serving our God who suffers alongside the suffering and calls all people beloved.

Complete this phrase: I’m a seminarian and…

I really love video games. From open-world adventures like Breath of the Wild and Skyrim, to cozy puzzle games like Unpacking and Is This Seat Taken, I try to find time to relax and decompress through videogames!

In one sentence, offer a word of encouragement to those exploring public ministry in the ELCA.

If you feel that God is calling you to ministry, then absolutely talk to someone about it and see where the Holy Spirit is leading you!

What is your favorite biblical call story?

I am a big fan of John the Baptist. His rugged wilderness appearance and strong personality is not what we typically expect from someone called by God. But John is preparing the way for Jesus Christ and his ministry, and I feel like that is the biggest part of our calling in ministry. We are preparing the way by letting Jesus use our hands and feet to bring people into relationship with God and experience Her radical love and divine grace.

Which seminary are you attending?

United Lutheran Seminary

Which program of study?

MDiv

When did you first feel called to public ministry?

In college

Who did you first talk with about exploring the call to ministry?

I first talked with my parents; my Dad is an ELCA pastor.

What was helpful as you explored a call to ministry?

Conversation with pastors and church leaders about their discernment experiences, as well as discernment events put on by groups in the church and time spent prayerfully in nature.

Complete this phrase: I’m a seminarian and…

I’m a seminarian and I love to spend time with my wife, Noelle, cooking and enjoying God’s creation.

In one sentence, offer a word of encouragement to those exploring public ministry in the ELCA.

The church is so blessed by you and your gifts. Our church and world are in need of faithful leaders devoted to spreading God’s liberating gospel message of grace and love.

What is your favorite biblical call story?

The call of Isaiah

Which seminary are you attending?

United Lutheran Seminary

Which program of study?

MDIV (Black Church Concentration).

When did you first feel called to public ministry?

Sunday March 28, 2010 (Palm Sunday). I was standing at the pulpit, preparing for worship (straightening the parament set), I felt something move in me, I looked out and saw my pastor standing in the center aisle, and I immediately went to him and told him what I was feeling. However, it did preach some as a deacon, and if you ask my middle brother, he’ll tell you he saw it when we were small.

Who did you first talk with about exploring the call to ministry?

My pastor, Rev. Dr. James A. Pollard Sr., who is also a ULS adjunct professor.

What was helpful as you explored a call to ministry?

To glean “priceless” theological insight from faculty, but also from classmates given the interaction with others of the Protestant tradition, and as it pertains to CPE, other faith communities.

Complete this phrase: I’m a seminarian and…

…and a truck aficionado.

In one sentence, offer a word of encouragement to those exploring public ministry in the ELCA.

Listen to God’s voice, and “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

What is your favorite biblical call story?

Jonah (several people would make this story synonymous with me running from my call). However, in Jonah’s case, I believe his flight was geared more to him knowing what God would do for the Ninevites, and less about him being called to deliver the message.