I am graduating from seminary tomorrow and I have done a lot to accomplish it. I listened to my Dad teach me in early morning Sunday School and my Mom in Confirmation. I listened to Coach Butler, my FCA coach teach us no one is too young to serve God. I listened to excellent professors like Drs. Roy Heller, Ted Campbell, Ruben Habito, Jamie Clark-Soles, Dallas Gingles, Wes Allen, Alyce McKenzie, Rebekah Miles, Geoffrey Moore, Barry Hughes, and Jack Levison. I listened to people like Lisa Goral teach me in Sunday school, then again when I worked in Youth Ministry, and then again in my Internship Teaching Committee with Amy Reed, Enrique Rodriguez, Melanie Thorpe, and Trish Whitlock, alongside my mentor pastor, Rev. Heather Gottas-Moore. I listened to my brother Mark encourage me to not quit ministry after reading the book of Amos. I listened to Obrei’s, my wife’s, “aggressive encouragement” whenever I felt inadequate to the task.
Coming out of graduation, I have the opportunity to serve FUMC Frisco, at which I will only succeed because I have had the chance to listen to people like Revs. Max Mertz, Katy Haislet, Don Underwood, Chris Dowd, Billy Echols-Richter, Matt Temple, Stacey Piyakhun, and Debra Hobbs-Mason who have offered me coaching and advice at every step. My spiritual life continues to grow as I listen to my spiritual director, Richard Mickleson who I found by listening to Rev. Brian Hardesty-Crouch. And I have been sustained through this process by listening to the affirmations and loving support of the people of FUMC Frisco, Christ UMC, and more friends than I deserve.
And if you’re reading this and your name isn’t listed; as one professor said, “Why didn’t I write more? Word counts… are the greatest tyrants.” I promise, if you think there’s even a chance I thought of you, I did. Thank you.
If I can take credit for accomplishing anything, it is that I listened to those who offered loving support. If there is one thing I can take forward, it is holy listening. I am graduating from seminary tomorrow by God’s grace, and, by God’s grace, you have done a lot to accomplish it.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Luke