New Students, Fall 2005

Drew Goodson

At age 13, Drew Goodson told his parents that he planned to become a pastor. His congregation supported him enthusiastically. During high school, Sunday night meetings, mission trips, and the opportunity to lead in worship all confirmed his sense of call. He did his best to witness to Christ's ability to heal in a broken world.

But it wasn't that simple after all. Looking back, he says, "I had not fully realized that my own sin equally contributed to the world's brokenness. I was content to see Christ change others. I was unaware the he also needed to change me." College complicated things even more. He realized that his faith was "terribly narrow and nearsighted."

Serving as a counselor at Camp Lutherock in North Carolina led Drew back toward a vocation in public ministry. "As I ministered to others, I found God changing my mind and heart as well."

His experience of struggling with a maturing faith led him to seek a theological education that would be "relevant to the current and foreseeable contexts in which he would minister." He found it here. "I realized LTSP was keenly aware of the issues facing the church. I noticed that faculty emphasized ecumenism and multicultural awareness. The seminary community included persons of many races, nationalities, and faith backgrounds-a reflection of the global church."

Drew also appreciated the seminary's commitment, in the face of the challenges before the church, to expand and improve its facilities, to continue the practice of communal meals and rich worship, and to be committed to spiritual development and peer interaction, all in an urban setting that would also serve as a kind of classroom.

"After visiting LTSP, I knew that I had discerned where God wanted me to prepare for ordained ministry."