Fuller Seminary Application

I am applying to Fuller Seminary's Doctor of Ministry Program. I though I might add the application questions and my responses. Why? Well, what the heck.

Reflect on your past Christian experience, including the most significant spiritual event/influence in your life, the role of Christ in your religious experience, the effect your faith has on your worldview, your involvement in Christian service, your perceived gifts/calling for ministry, and your reason(s) for attending your church. (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)

One of my earliest memories is of my parents praying together as I walked by to get ready for school. Both a relationship with Christ as well as involvement in church were incredibly important to my parents. Once all of their children were out of the house and done with college my parents went overseas to Central Asia, where they continue to serve today. Their devotion to Christ and encouragement of my spiritual development make my parents the strongest spiritual influence in my life. It was a result of their influence that I confessed Jesus as Lord as a child.

Christ is at the center of my religious experience. Sin separated me from God, who despite my rebellion, sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as a penalty for the sins of the world. As a child, I was convicted of my sin, believed God raised his son from the dead, and I confessed Jesus as my Lord. My walk with Christ has not always been a steady progression towards discipleship, but my faith and profession of Christ as my Lord is stronger today than ever before.

The source of my worldview comes from Jesus Christ's words in Matthew 22:37-40, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." In other words, my philosophy of life is to love God and love others.

Currently, I serve as a minister of national and international missions at North Richland Hills Baptist Church as well as the minister to young and median adult couples. Previously, I served as Youth Pastor at Harwood Terrace Baptist Church.

The first time I perceived God calling me into the ministry was as a young teenager. Even though I told my parents and youth pastor, I remained unwilling to yield to the call. Until the calling became an overwhelming burden, I remained unconvinced as I wanted a more profitable career. As I thought of the future, God convicted me that my ideals on career paths were selfish. As a senior in high school, I began to pursue the calling to ministry. I feel like God has gifted me in the areas of leadership and teaching.

My status as a minister on staff at NRHBC is the primary reason I attend. However, I would attend regardless of my position because NRHBC has a visionary pastor, a strong sense of fellowship and an excellent children's ministry as my wife and I recently adopted our first child.