In 500 words, please answer the following questions:
1. Reflecting on your spiritual life, how would you describe your journey of faith and how it has shaped who you are today?
2. What are your short and long-term career goals?
My journey of faith began in the church with my family, where I was introduced to the stories of Jesus. I was also exposed to worship and the power of prayer. Those early years laid a foundation that has continued to support me through seasons of questioning, change, and deeper commitment. As I grew in my community’s faith, I found myself wrestling with the limitations of inherited beliefs. I had a hunger for something deeper—something more than memorized verses or Sunday routines. That experience caused me to explore my faith with fresh eyes. I started reading Scripture more closely, praying more honestly, and listening more attentively to God’s voice in my life. I realized faith isn’t just about what we believe—it’s about how we live, how we love, and how we respond to the world around us.
My journey of faith began in the church with my family, where I was introduced to the stories of Jesus. I was also exposed to worship and the power of prayer. Those early years laid a foundation that has continued to support me through seasons of questioning, change, and deeper commitment. As I grew in my community’s faith, I found myself wrestling with the limitations of inherited beliefs. I had a hunger for something deeper—something more than memorized verses or Sunday routines. That experience caused me to explore my faith with fresh eyes. I started reading Scripture more closely, praying more honestly, and listening more attentively to God’s voice in my life. I realized faith isn’t just about what we believe—it’s about how we live, how we love, and how we respond to the world around us.
Over time, I became more involved in ministry—first as a volunteer, then as a leader in my local congregation. Whether teaching Bible study, offering pastoral care, or leading worship, I felt increasingly drawn to the work of ministry. What began as a quiet call slowly became a clear conviction: God was inviting me to serve others, to preach the Word, and to guide people through both the joy and the struggle of spiritual life. This sense of calling has not come from one dramatic moment, but from years of being shaped by community, scripture, and service.
I have learned that ministry isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the right questions and accompany others in their own search for truth. I’ve learned that humility, compassion, and listening are just as important as preaching and teaching. I want my ministry to reflect that balance: rooted in scripture, responsive to people, and always open to the movement of the Spirit. It is why I’m applying to a seminary. I want to be formed in a community of learning, mentored by faithful leaders, and prepared for a lifetime of service. I believe the seminary will give me the tools I need to grow intellectually, the discipline to deepen my spiritual life, and the support to follow this calling with integrity and clarity. In the short term, my goal is to serve in a local church connected to its surrounding community. I want to preach the Gospel in ways that inspire and blend spiritual transformation with social engagement. I’m especially passionate about equipping congregations to take an active role in addressing issues like poverty, racial injustice, housing insecurity, and access to healthcare.
Through teaching, organizing, and building partnerships, I hope to help churches become more than places of worship—they can be hubs of hope, healing, and justice. In the long term, I envision leading or co-creating a ministry that integrates faith with public life. From a nonprofit organization to a network of churches working collectively on advocacy, education, and direct action. I am also interested in reaching youth through the mentoring of young leaders and collaborating with activists, policymakers, and theologians to address systemic issues with integrity and compassion.