I have to admit I’ve been a bit nostalgic as we’ve worked on this year’s Spotlight on Christian Higher Education issue.
Perhaps it’s because both my children are now in college, taking steps toward their future vocations. Perhaps it’s because my retirement years are now much closer than my college years.
After some consideration, I’ve realized a better word for what I’m feeling is grateful.
Decades after I stepped into my first college class, declared a major and graduated with that first degree, I now look back and see how God opened door after door for me on the journey to my current position as content editor at TAB Media.
Keep learning
In his book “Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making,” author and musician Andrew Peterson offers advice for learners that applies regardless of the topic: “Become a student of the craft. Have conversations with people whose insight dwarfs your own.”
When I think back to my college years, I recall professors and mentors who shared their professional knowledge and sparked my curiosity as they shared their passion for the subject at hand. Literature and history came alive as they taught.
I remember the encouragement from family and friends as I took one step and then another.
My college church family was invaluable during that time as well, nurturing a very immature faith in ways that still amaze me.
Few succeed without such guidance.
My prayer is that the content in TAB’s annual Spotlight on Christian Higher Education issue (Feb. 10) will help you as you consider the next step God is calling you to take.
Perhaps you, or one of your children or grandchildren, is now choosing a college. Did you know that many of our Southern Baptist seminaries offer undergraduate degrees?
Or that options for accelerated programs are available to help those who have a call to ministry move more quickly to a master’s degree? Click here for more information on those programs.
Biblical worldview
For those who will live out their faith in the marketplace, teamwork, leadership and work ethic are valuable skills further developed during the college years.
Click here to learn how student engagement opportunities help build a more well-rounded student.
Click here to learn more about how Christian colleges and universities help students grow in their faith by nurturing a biblical worldview in classes and campus activities.
Maybe you have completed a bachelor’s degree already and are considering graduate school. Click here for an overview of factors that might enter into that decision.
Or perhaps you simply desire a deeper dive into Scripture or further development of your leadership skills. Several Baptist entities, as well as programs at secular institutions, offer short-term classes with a focus on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Check out some of those offerings here.
Staying on track
A recent conversation with some mid-career young women reminded me that our professional trajectories are rarely linear.
Our career paths, much like our personal and spiritual paths, often meander. At times, we skip along bright, pleasant lanes, and at other times, we plod through dim, foggy side roads.
Fortunately, we have guides to help us at each step.
In Psalm 32:8, David writes, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Some see this verse as David speaking words of instruction to his children; others believe God speaks in the first person through David. I find both views encouraging.
Not only does God guide us when we seek Him, but He also puts people in our lives to help us. In fact, we hope the content in this issue serves such a purpose.
Let us hear from you
If you find the information in this issue helpful, please let us know. We always love to hear stories of how God works through our staff to encourage and empower our readers for Kingdom work.
We would also love to hear your ideas for future coverage of Christian higher education topics. Email us at news@tabmedia.group, or reach out to us on social media. We would love to hear from you!
Share with others: