I went to college to prepare to enter vocational ministry. During seminary, I assumed that I would spend the rest of my working years in pastoral ministry in a local congregation.
Experience
Like many people in my generation who went straight from life as a traditional undergraduate student to seminary, my vocational path has broadened in recent years.
After serving in long-term roles in local congregations from 2000 to 20012, I ventured into interim ministry beginning in 2013. Together these local church roles have allowed me to serve the church in several of its Mainline expressions: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lutheran (ELCA), Presbyterian (PCUSA), and United Church of Christ.
My professional pursuits beyond the local church began around the time I launched this blog in the summer of 2009. At that point I began to do things to support other ministries, including writing, mentoring and consulting.
In 2011, I branched out even further entering higher education. My experiences in that arena prepared me to lead the training and development department of a rapidly growing healthcare company, which then led me to other healthcare opportunities.
In 2017, I accepted my first position with a faith-based nonprofit organization. I continue to serve that organization today in a new role that utilizes my background in ministry and in healthcare.
Education
I recognize the important role education has made in preparing me for the many professional pursuits I’ve described above. The timeline below illustrates that I started my adult life focused on attaining formal theological education – a journey that included earning several degrees in the discipline: B.S., M.Div., and D.Min. I also engaged in significant learning in the years following the completion of my terminal degree to continue my professional growth.
Only after entering the field of healthcare did I return to school to focus on business. That effort resulted in an MBA.
And, only after all of my theological and business education did I attempt to bring both worlds together in a more refined manner by completing a fellowship in social enterprise.
So What?
I’m thankful for the many professors, colleagues, mentors, and other caring and wise people in my life who have helped me to recognize my strengths, develop my abilities, and grow my confidence while also gently nudging me to always be ready to say “yes” to new ways of investing myself in life-giving work that makes real God’s realm of justice and peace.
The first twenty years of ministry have been quite different than I envisioned, but also far better than I’d hoped. I can’t wait to see what the next twenty years hold.