The 7 Year Journey Is Over

I can remember the feeling that came over me about 7 years ago. I knew that God had been leading me to take this step. The journey would begin. I started out by driving to Pensacola, FL to a small room with a bunch of strangers each Monday morning. I had no idea how those people would impact me later on, especially the one at the front of the room.

What was this journey about? A little something called seminary... The grad school of the ministry world. I had turned my nose up to it after I got my undergrad thinking that there was really no need for "more classes." It would be 6 years after I got my undergrad that I felt God was saying something along the lines of "it's time for seminary for you. Time for you to find out it's not just classes but training that will be very beneficial."

The time that I spent in seminary (at least most of it) was truly a preparing time. To be able to study a field that I enjoy so much was great. The classes were not just filler work but things that pertained and helped (for the most part) in what God has called me to do. Because I did much of my seminary work via extension centers, I had the opportunity meet some really neat people from all around.

Today, I realize that this journey that began in January 2007 is now over. Yesterday, I got confirmation that all requirements for the Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary have been completed.

The 7 Year Journey is over. It has been well worth it I must say.

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Give Thanks Day 27

Today, I would like to express my gratitude for seminary training in ministry.  I am heading towards the final stretch of this 7-year journey that I call seminary.  I have enjoyed most of my time at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

As I look back over the past 7 years, I am so glad that I have taken this journey.  I can remember that spring day in 2001, when I was eating lunch in my college's student union building.  I was minding my own business when a man stopped and asked if he could join me for lunch.  As I looked up, it was Dr. Chuck Kelley - president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary - who was at our college speaking at a campus revival.  I asked him a very serious question over lunch: "Do I really have to go to seminary?"  He smiled and answered, "NO. If God isn't leading you, then you shouldn't."  I'll never forget that day.  There was urging from our college's Bible professors for all of us "preacher boys" to go on to seminary.  I was tired of school.

After a six year layout, I felt God prodding my heart to go to seminary.  God tends to know just the right time for everything.  I began my journey at NOBTS in January of 2007.  The skills, knowledge, and friends that I have gained from this experience I wouldn't trade for anything.  They have made me the pastor and person I am today.

So, to you NOBTS, I say thank you (and hopefully this coming May - see ya!).

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My Seminary Update 11-28-2011

As many of you know, I am currently working towards completing my Master of Divinity degree through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. It has been a long journey that started back in January 2007 taking a couple classes here and there through extension programs of NOBTS.

This past August, we stepped out in faith, leaving the comforts of student ministry and began taking classes full-time at the New Orleans campus in preparation for the next thing that God has for me: pastoring a church. God has graciously provided all of our needs and even many wants through family (earthly and in Christ).

As 2011 draws to a close, I am making preparations for 2012. We are still praying that God would open a door for us to pastor a local church. In the meantime, I am beginning to look for work to help provide for the family (3 little ones ain't cheap).

Anyone who has been to seminary knows it isn't cheap. I still have about 32 hours left. I am praying for God to provide the funds for me to go to school full-time this coming semester (Mondays @ NOBTS & online). I ask that you join me in prayer about this. If the Lord leads you to help out financially with this journey, contact me and I can get you the information you need.

God bless each and every one of you who have been walking with us on this journey of faith. God has taught us so much more about Himself (and ourselves) over the past three months. One thing is so true: He truly is faithful.

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A Different View

This week I plan to blog a little about my experiences with a recent assignment that I had in my Worship Leadership class for seminary. We were told to go and visit three worship experiences. There were only a few stipulations:

Each experience has to be a different denomination than you are a part of.

There has to be one that is more aesthetic in nature. This means that it is more liturgical and dealing more with reverence and awe.

There has to be one that is more kinesthetic or moving in nature.

I must say that I was looking forward to this assignment because I enjoy seeing people and how they worship the Lord. I will be sharing about my experiences with a Roman Catholic church, charismatic church, an a Wesleyan church.

Stay tuned...

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Close of August

I sit here on the end of one of the craziest months of my life. It seemed like there was never goof to be an end to the twists and turns. But with all that said, it was a pretty good month.

Here's a little of all that's gone down...

• Preached at a church plant in my hometown. It was really cool to see what God was doing in the area of the state where I was born and raised. I ask that you continue to pray for Ignite City Church as they reach out to the Huntsville, AL area and get off the ground.


• Preached final message at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL. Sunday, August 14 marked the close of our ministry in Birmingham. It was great as we also dedicated out little Cole to the Lord. One awesome thing that came out of this was a love offering that covered the remainder fees I had for school this semester. God is good!


• We moved to Mississippi to finish school. I am currently sitting at the halfway point to my Master of Divinity degree through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We felt that with the transition and waiting for God to give us a church to shepherd as pastor, I'd go ahead and knock this out.


• Speaking engagements.  August was filled with some great opportunities to share God's Word with churches around the southeast.  As mentioned earlier, I spoke at Ignite City Church and FBC Birmingham, Alabama.  I also spoke to Lucien Baptist Church (outside of Brookhaven, MS) and FBC St. Rose, LA.


• A new phase of ministry.  August began a new phase of ministry for our family.  After 13 years in student ministry, we feel that God is calling us to pastor a local church.  We are still praying and seeking the Lord's guidance on where that place is.  We ask that you to lift us in prayer as we seek to obey the call of God on our lives.
  

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Contributions

As many of you know, our family has recently moved to Mississippi for me to be able to commute to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and finish my MDiv degree. This has been such a great faith journey so far. God is stretching and molding us for His Kingdom work.

Some of you have informed us that you would like to help us financially during this process. The financial help of our brothers and sisters in Christ has proven very helpful and needed. If you would like to help our family during this time financially, you can send gifts to this address:

Anthony Stephens
1120 Upton Road
Crystal Springs, MS 39059

I want to say a big thank you to those who have already helped make this step for our family possible. We look forward to the great plans Christ has for us. We will be putting out updates about our journey along the way.

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Changes

One thing that is just to be expected in life is change. For many, this word can stir up many different emotions. For some, change is like a root canal. For others, it is an adventure that makes their mouth water. Depending on the change, I'm usually found in that second category. I don't mind change. I try to view change as an adventure and something to be conquered.

Our family is experiencing a great deal of changes at the current time. We are awaiting the arrival of our third son at any time. Each of our sons has brought about a great deal of change to our lives. We are eagerly expecting and anticipating the changes that will come with Cole (#3).

Another big change has to do with ministry. Today, I announced that I am stepping down as the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama. My last day will be Sunday, August 14th. I have felt for some time that God was changing my heart. Since 1998, I have been involved in some form or fashion in student ministry. I have served as student ministry intern, part-time Youth Pastor, worked at the MS Baptist Children's Village, and full-time Youth Pastor. I have watched God do miraculous things in the lives of students for the better part of 13 years. The shift in my heart is from students to the entire church. I feel that God has equipped and gifted me to serve Him as a Senior Pastor of a local congregation.

This change that God is bringing about calls for a HUGE step of faith on my and my family's part. I know that for me to move forward in the direction of becoming a Senior Pastor that I have to finish something that I started in 2007: seminary (MDiv degree). I have about a year left since I was doing it through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary via their extension centers. Our family will be moving to south Mississippi so that I can commute to the New Orleans campus full-time and finish out. The faith comes in trusting God to provide for our needs. After August 14th, I will not have income coming in. We are trusting that God will open up something soon. Also, anyone who has been to seminary knows, it ain't cheap. But as God guides, He provides. We feel that He has not only called our family to this, but He will also provide the needs. A verse that has really stood out to me over the past year is Hebrews 11:6

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

I firmly believe God's Word is true and trustworthy. As Christians, we are called to live by faith and not sight. I know that this doesn't mean to be wild with it. If we live our lives in the comfort of what we can do, we will miss the hand of God many times.

We have no idea what the days to come will look like. One thing's for sure though, it will be a ride! We ask that you keep our family in your prayers. I will be looking for opportunities to serve as I finish up seminary. If you know of a church that is looking for a pastor in the south Mississippi area, please contact me. If you would like to join with us in the phase of our ministry by helping with costs of school, please contact me directly and I will let you know how that can be arranged.

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School's Out

Today, I finished up yet another semester of NOBTS.  To be honest, I really hated to see this one end.  I was taking systematic theology and having way to much fun with it.  I am very grateful to our professor who made something that could easily have been very boring not that at all.  I truly enjoyed going to class every Monday and seeing what the Bible (not just tradition - church's, denomination's, or other) had to say about the doctrines that we as Christians hold so dear.  I look forward to the break from required reading and papers.  Now it is time to gear up for what looks to be a very interesting summer with the students of First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama.

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Philosophy

I am currently taking a course in seminary called "Philosophy of Religion."  For the past week or so, I have been doing a lot of work with it.  While it has to do with a lot of reading (especially articles with many words I don't even know how to pronounce), it has raised some good questions in my mind.

Can faith and reason coincide?  There are many who think that for one to have reason and try to have an explanation for everything, that nullifies faith.  Then there are those that say that for one to have faith you must chunk reason out the window. I have come to realize that I disagree with these statements/beliefs.  I do believe faith and reason can live together in the same household.

While it is true that "the faith shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4/Romans 1:17), the Bible also tells us to "Love the LORD with all our hearts, mind, soul, and strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5/Matthew 22:37).  Without faith, we are not going to see nor please God.  Faith is the beginning of our relationship with Him.  But God has blessed humans with a great gift: the mind.  He intends it to be used to communicate our faith with others and bring Him glory.

Any thoughts?

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A "C" Never Looked So Good

Today, I finally found out the last of my grades for this past semester of seminary.  The one class that I was losing fingernails over left and right... I got a "C" in.  You want to talk about some grace.  That professor was shucking out some major grace when he came to writing my grade in the book.  But I am truly thankful for that grace.

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Semester's End

Monday was the day of finals in my seminary classes.  Three finals throughout the day.  I don't know what I was thinking in taking three classes on top of doing all the work with the student ministry and spending time with the family.  Through this semester, everything seemed to roll pretty smooth.  Then time for finals came and it all fell on one day.

As I think about this situation, I realize that life can be like that.  You can go about juggling all these responsibilities thinking that you're okay.  Then that day comes when everything falls together at once.  It can be overwhelming.  It's times like this that I wish I was more like my wife: very detailed, very organized, very "have a plan and stick to it."  But that's not who I am.  But that last line can serve as a lame excuse.  Naturally, I may not possess those characteristics abundantly, but I can work on getting better about it.

What areas in your life are you working on making better or at least trying to get them closer to where they should be?

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