New Students, Fall 2006

Jocelyn Johnston

MY PLAN ALL ALONG WAS TO TEACH INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN A SCHOOL, preferably in western Pennsylvania. After a year of substitute teaching and no permanent position on the horizon, I was pretty frustrated and discouraged that my plan had not come to fruition. It's amazing how often God can take pain and bring something good out of it.

I decided to join the summer staff at Camp Lutherlyn for the second time. While working there, I happened by chance (or maybe not) to hear about a church looking for a full-time Director of Children's and Youth Ministry. I'm not sure why, but my immediate reaction was, "I want that job!" After much prayerful consideration, I accepted the position.

From the very beginning, I knew I was meant for ministry. For the next year or so, I thought about seminary often. I took the opportunity to attend a discernment retreat, and began to feel the tugging at my heart more persistently. After years of resistance, I finally decided to answer God's call to ordained ministry. My passion is still with youth so I am looking forward to serving in a church where I can use these abilities.

I decided on LTSP for several reasons. The emphasis on diversity at LTSP was an important one for me. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to learn from people who are different from me in so many ways. The location in the city was also a plus. I soon became excited to take advantage of all that Philadelphia has to offer. When I came to visit LTSP, I felt truly welcomed and valued by the students, faculty, and staff. The sense of community was strong, and now that I am a student, that feeling has been confirmed.