Well it officially happened y’all. I have graduated from ministry school. I have the certificate to prove it too.
If you read my previous posts (click here or here), then you know a little about the journey for the first year. The second year was a beast and not just in the classroom but everything that wanted to come at me, tried it. Even if I could put into words the things that transpired while I was obeying God and going through this process, you wouldn’t be able to understand. While many people like to share or talk about spiritual warfare or spiritual attacks, at least for me, I don’t think anyone can truly prepare someone for the moment it happens to them. However, you can at least rest in their words to help you get to the other side.
As parts of my life were improving, other parts were falling apart as others were getting chopped off. I felt like I was just sitting in one spot as many things whirled around my head at breakneck speed. Of all the degrees I have, this certificate is one I actually wanted. Not to say I don’t appreciate the other degrees, but I don’t really care, if I can be honest, because I didn’t want them. Long story about how I ended up in college when I never applied to go in the first place.
So now, I’m sitting here excited, happy, nervous about the next step along my journey. And blogging will be how I’ll document this new season. I’m kind of sad I did delete some, okay a lot of, old blog posts. But that’s okay. What you can read hopefully will stimulate your soul, draw you closer to God and help you obey His voice when He speaks to you.
If it weren’t for my study & prayer groups, I don’t know how I would have kept going. We encouraged each other, supported each other, prayed with/for each other. I grew so close to the ladies. They are family to me now.
What I can put into words about my second and last year of ministry school is that I dug deep within and found strength to continue when life felt unbearable at times. To stay committed to a process that is not easy because I had to unlearn then learn so much not just about the Bible but about Biblical principles. Mental exhaustion is a real thing especially when you are using your brain in new, different ways for in-depth periods of time. Plus, I taught all day to come home to study, attend class, join small group or prayer group. Y’all my brain really only rested when I slept and that wasn’t as long as I would have liked due to late nights and early mornings. I will always treasure the experience of attending and graduating from The Potter’s House School of Ministry though.
I look forward to seeing how my classmates continue to serve the body of Christ moving forward. I look forward to seeing where God leads me next. Most of all, I look forward to strengthening the relationships I’ve made over the past two years.
Who would have thought this introvert who wanted to just log into class, stay quiet and not be seen would have become close and really like my classmates? Not this girl. But I’m so happy I allowed myself to be open to getting to know everyone. That I was able to put myself out there. That’s not easy for an extreme introvert like myself.
For certificate students we had a virtual graduation and it was nice. My mom and nephews watched.
The next week as a class we decided to attend The Potter’s House in person to celebrate with each other and for those who are now licensed ministers. It was so nice to see the ladies I met at Woman Thou Art Loosed and to finally meet so many other classmates for the first time. Pastor Derick Faison preached ‘A Pit Can’t Stop A Promise.’ Baby, when I tell y’all he was prepared to come and blow my mind with a revelation about Jospeh’s coat of many colors. It was so good. So good, I want you to watch it. It was the right sermon for us ministerial graduates to hear. And I’m thankful to have been in the house to hear and feel that message. That Word was alive.
Who knew it would take 20 years to go through a process like this when I thought I heard this at 19? Even though I didn’t have the support necessary to help me understand God’s calling then I’m glad I felt that tug again and obeyed. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I do know I will serve wherever God leads me.
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