How is God working in your life? In what ways is he equipping you to use your gifts to serve His people? Here’s how one man is answering these questions.
We enjoy introducing you to our Faith Bible Seminary students and their journey in our seminary. Today we invite you to “e-meet” Dan Brewer, one of our current FBS MABC student. A civil engineer, Dan notes that now he’s moving from building roads to building eternal bridges to Christ. This is Dan’s FBS story…
FBS: “Dan, please tell us about what motivated you to enroll in FBS’ MABC program.”
DB: “I started the FBS MABC in November 2019. I had heard about FBS at one of the Regional Training Conferences in Washington State a few years ago, but I had not thought about attending seminary. In the summer of 2019, I was having breakfast with Dr. Kellemen and explaining that I was nearing the end of the ACBC certification process, but felt like some things just were not clicking for me as a counselor. Dr. Kellemen suggested considering additional training through FBS. In my first year at FBS I completed six classes. I really appreciate the restructured class format of the seminary to an eight-week schedule. In fact, that was one of the reasons for selecting FBS; I wanted to be able to complete the MABC program in just over two years. I aim to complete my remaining course work by the end of August 2021, and then start writing my thesis.”
FBS: “How have you most benefitted from your FBS MABC in your life and ministry?”
DB: “My journey at FBS has been amazing and far beyond my expectations. I knew going in that I would receive a quality education and would be challenged towards excellence from highly respected men and women committed to biblical counseling. But I’ve received much more. While I have great respect and admiration for the faculty at FBS—individuals I consider to be some of the modern day icons of the biblical counseling movement—I’m now blessed to call them my friends. One element of the MABC program that has been surprisingly beneficial for me is the interaction with other students. I’ve learned so much from my classmates as we’ve journeyed through the program together. The interaction with fellow students as part of the course work has resulted in close friendships from all over the world. Those friendships have developed even further as we stay connected outside of the classroom, praying for and encouraging one another.”
FBS: “No Master’s degree is easy. It takes persistence and perseverance. How have you been stretched and challenged by the MABC?”
DB: “I initially underestimated the level of effort that would be required for the MABC program. Yet, while the MABC program has been challenging academically, those challenges have also been rewarding. More than just stretching me academically, the program has challenged me to be a better student of God’s Word, a better counselor, and a better friend; the very goals and desires that I had when I started the program. The FBS MABC program delivers!”
FBS: “How do you hope to use your FBS MABC degree after you graduate? How are you already using it now?”
DB: “My undergraduate degree is in Civil Engineering. I have been building roads and bridges my entire life. I want to invest the rest of my life in things that have eternal value and significance, so I’m pursuing this MABC to help others build eternal roads and bridges to Christ. I’m responding to the Lord’s call to prepare for full-time ministry work. Honestly at age 52, I’m not sure what that will look like or where it will lead but I’m trusting the Lord as I step forward in obedience and faith. I’m currently serving as part of the biblical counseling ministry in our local church—Christ’s Church in Federal Way, Washington. The training that I have received from FBS has already helped me be a better counselor, and those that I have ministered to have reaped the benefits of that, to the honor and glory of the Lord.”
FBS: “What would you say to a friend who asked you, ‘Why do you think I should consider enrolling in the FBS MABC?’”
DB: “I’d share that if you want to sharpen and hone your skills as a biblical counselor, and learn how to better understand and communicate the gospel in the circumstances of everyday life, I can think of no better way to do that than through the FBS MABC program. You can customize the intensity of your course work to match your current life situations and finances. The faculty is committed to their students, and you will be equipped to do the work of the saints—guaranteed. It’s so encouraging to know that your professors are praying for you! Your faith will be strengthened as the Lord works in transforming your heart through the program, and you will develop relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ that you will carry into eternity.”
FBS: Thanks for sharing your FBS story, Dan. Is there anything else that you’d like to share about your FBS MABC experience?”
DB: “I know that there are other MABC programs available where 100% of the course work can be taken on-line, and no travel is required. However, I cannot overstate the importance of the five one-week module classes that are part of the FBS MABC program. Having those one-week classes where you interact with the professor and fellow students solidifies ministry partnerships and lifelong friendships that are invaluable and cannot be gained any other way. You benefit from those five one-week modular classes, while also benefitting from the five online classes and two independent study classes. FBS’ MABC program provides the best of both worlds.”
