My Plans…
When our family arrived in Indiana in 2015, I (Rod) knew that God was calling me into full-time ministry, but I just did not know what that might look like. The one thing I knew for certain…I needed greater depth in my theological knowledge and practical ministry experience.
I had three years remaining to serve in the Navy which I would spend leading the Navy ROTC program at Purdue University. I expected to take courses on-line and jump into serving at the local church. That was my plan.
God’s Plan
God had a better plan. He brought us to Faith Church where we found the solid biblical teaching we were desiring. He showed us the vast opportunities in ministries that could broaden my experience.
After sharing my calling with Dr. Brent Aucoin, President of Faith Bible Seminary (FBS), we began to explore the idea of attending FBS as an M.Div. student. Could I continue in my full-time work and be a full time student in the Seminary? It might be challenging. The hours would be many. But it would be worth it!
The Unique FBS Approach…
I was able to manage my work schedule to allow me to attend classes in person each week at Faith Bible Seminary studying alongside a cohort of dedicated and supportive men. The unique approach at FBS provided many benefits; I could highlight three:
- FBS provided the opportunity to build relationships with other men that would have been unlikely in other Seminary models.
- FBS challenged me to grow alongside my classmates as we studied together and ministered together in the small groups and community ministries of Faith Church.
- FBS also provided ministry opportunities outside the church. I can remember studying Greek or Hebrew at my desk at Purdue which would bring questions from my staff or students opening the doors to spiritual conversations.
Biblical Counseling…in My Life and in My Wife’s Life…
The emphasis on biblical counseling was new to me when we joined Faith. As I was exposed to it through the Biblical Counseling Training Conference and FBS classes, it brought a new love to my heart to see God directly working in others’ lives through His Word.
One of the best decisions I made while in Seminary was to recommend to my wife that she also pursue the FBS MA in Biblical Counseling (MABC). She is now about 80% complete with her MABC and the combination of her training along with my education has not only grown our ministry skills, but it has grown us closer in our marriage as we are both learning more of God’s design for our lives.
Using My FBS Training: Embedded in the Church; Engaged with the Community
When my retirement from the Navy approached, I was thankful that FBS was also onboard with helping me to find my first ministry position. In God’s timing, Faith Church was opening the Northend Community Center and planting a new campus within months after my time in the Navy would end.
I feel so greatly blessed with the chance to be a part of what God is growing in community ministries to serve those in need in Lafayette. I have been able to engage in conversations and build relationships with men and women that I would have not likely have ever met.
Kathy and I are so very grateful to God that He brought us to FBS for training and now Faith Church so that we might serve. It is a humbling privilege to be a part of what God is doing here in Lafayette.
Changing Lives One Step at a Time
Your support helps Faith Bible Seminary impact students like myself and Kathy. The upcoming (June 8, 2019) Race for Hope is a great way to do just that.
Faith Bible Seminary and Vision of Hope started The Race for Hope in 2011 to allow friends like you to support these two ministries which change lives with Christ’s changeless truth.
The Race for Hope is a 10k certified timed race, a 5k timed race, and a 5k fun walk. We think you’ll find The Race for Hope to be a fun race experience and a rewarding opportunity to support two vital Christian ministries.
The 10k race will start at 8:00 am on June 8, 2019, and the 5k races will start immediately afterwards. On-site registration opens at 7:00 am.
