I was sitting in conference room 1081 at 4601 Market Street when God called me to attend seminary.
Attending seminary had never been a desire of mine. I would never have imagined a world where I would be pursuing a doctoral degree at my current age and in this area of study. Yes, I come from a family of ordained ministers. I just imagined other plans for myself— becoming a pathologist, living as an author of poetry and fiction novels, or perhaps becoming an elementary school teacher.
I took the Praxis exams. I passed. I applied to a Master of Arts in Teaching program. I was accepted. Nonetheless, God had different plans for me.
I clicked on Instagram for less than three minutes, and Pastor Tammi Haddon was doing a live on women in ministry. She was speaking about seminary among other topics, and before she could go any further, my spirit was led to apply to Palmer Theological Seminary. Literally, I saw less than three minutes of the live video and left the application. The peace and the clarity I had while completing the application was unlike I have ever experienced before or since. Later that day, I told my parents that I had applied. They were 100% supportive. No questions. No opposition.
Before that day, Pastor John F. Hannah and Pastor Jermone Glenn were teaching a series titled You Got This: Use Your Staff. It was a powerful series; however I did not know how it would apply to my own life. God was using them prophetically to let me know that I have what I need to do what God asked me to do. God was using that series to prompt me to go where God was leading me—and not question my ability, my capacity, or my qualification.
As part of the application process, I had to submit papers, demonstrating my ability to write on theological matters and to demonstrate an understanding of hermeneutics. I thought ok—I will submit my masters thesis on the Ethical Permissibility of Prayer in US Health Care Systems. The admissions team accepted my thesis, along with references from clergy and laypersons who I asked [nervously] to provide letters of recommendations.
Then, I was asked for additional essays. I wondered—what other essays do I have that meet the admissions requirement. Pastor Jermone Glenn preached again you have what you need. Reverend Marsh also preached use your staff— do not be afraid. If I thought I was getting out of the application process—God said otherwise.
So, I looked on my usb drive for essays I had written during my collegiate years at Saint Joseph’s University. That drive contained my essays from my Judaism course at Saint Joseph’s University.
I did not know when God sent me to Saint Joseph’s University for undergraduate studies that I was being equipped for future endeavors.
Honestly, I did not want to go to Saint Joseph’s University. I wanted to be an Ivy League graduate. Going to Carnegie Mellon was supposed to be my consolation prize. However, Saint Joseph’s offered me scholarship awards so that’s where I had to go. Goodbye, Pittsburgh. Hello, Philadelphia.
Undergraduate students were required to take three philosophy courses and three theology courses— among other course material. Thus, I enrolled in Introduction to New Testament, Judaism, and Christian Marriage for my theology courses.
My last semester of undergraduate studies was a time of heightened fasting and prayer. I fasted on Tuesdays. After graduating with a major in Psychology and a minor in English, God led me to apply for a new graduate program at Saint Joseph’s University. I applied and was accepted into the Master of Arts in Health Care Ethics program. I had no idea that the coursework—including but not limited to theological framework of bioethics—would be necessary for my future endeavors.
I did have what I need!
Once the admissions team read my additional essays, they granted me a conditional acceptance into the Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Leadership Program. There was just one caveat. I had to enroll in and pass two masters level seminary courses. If I passed, I would automatically be enrolled in the doctoral program.
I paused. I wondered if God wanted me to continue on this journey. Then, I accepted the requirements. I drove to the campus. I attended the two classes. I met wonderful classmates. I learned how to utilize study tools effectively. I stayed up late perfecting my writing and submitting assignments. I continued to work full time at my job. I battled through the challenges that come with working and attending school. I battled through the challenges that come with being diagnosed with keratoconus.
I passed the two classes!
I was awarded a scholarship to help cover a portion of the tuition/fees.
I am a doctoral student. God is giving me the daily bread that I need to do His will.