"May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day, by His love and power controlling all I do and say." The familiar words of this hymn capture the result of a Christian whose mind is developed toward the Lord.
There are many ways to develop and renew our minds and to strive to have an attitude that is the same as that of Christ, as stated in Philippians 2:5. Our church and the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation provide opportunities across age groups to develop our minds toward Christ. Some of the opportunities are the Fellows program; internships for future pastors, youth, and music leaders; the Christian Life Conference; strong curriculum for nursery, children, and youth; and scholarships to PDS and ECS.
This month’s focus on Generosity looks at one of the most familiar and traditional ways to develop minds — through a seminary education. One of the Foundation’s stated objectives is to support the development of Christian leaders, and grants toward the education of seminary students has always been the Foundation’s primary Christian education effort. So when a gift was initially made by Penny and Kerry Reeder to specifically support this fund, and the WHY behind the gift was made known, it was evident that the Reeders were giving back in a generous way.
The following is their story.
Penelope (Penny) and I were members of a different church in Memphis. Our son, Christopher, had joined a Presbyterian church in Franklin, TN while he worked in Nashville. He felt the call to the ministry and returned home to complete his undergraduate studies so that he could later go to the seminary. During this time, he joined Second, and served as a summer intern. After completing his BFA at University of Memphis, he completed a course of study at Second and also worked as a graphic artist for a year, saving his money for seminary.
Chris attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, which he completed in three years. We are so grateful that he received tuition assistance from the 2PC Foundation. His other support was through family, a part-time job, and from working as a Youth Director at Grace Presbyterian in Oviedo, FL, where he was fortunate to have Reverend Kim Payne for a mentor.
Seven years ago, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Chaplain. He was the Chaplain to the squadron that flies Air Force 1 until he recently was transferred to Misawa, Japan.
About five years ago, Penny and I were looking for another church. We remembered how Second had been so influential in Chris’ life, especially the aid provided by the 2PC Foundation. So, we visited Second and later joined the church.
Through Chris’ experience, we developed an appreciation for the work of the Foundation, especially for the impact of the tuition assistance program which helps open the door for people entering ministry. We have included the Foundation in our giving so that it can continue to help other seminarians.
Let's face it, seminary is expensive. I know from first hand observation that some students have a hard time financially. Working two part-time jobs, even with help from relatives, they still have trouble making ends meet between tuition, rent, food, and an automobile to get from home to school and to each job. There is another budget crisis as well, that of time. In the pursuit of the money for the aforementioned expenses, one must be careful that, to raise money, they are not working so much that it infringes on the time necessary for class and homework. I once asked my son what he would do if his finances fall short. He said that he would take time off his studies to work and save up until he could go back and finish.
This is where the Foundation is so important. Its’ tuition support can make the difference between someone going straight through versus having to lay out between semesters to raise the funds for the next semester. These students are truly called by our Lord into His service, often enduring hardship in order to follow him wherever He leads. They deserve our support.
Seminaries
Second Presbyterian Church Foundation provides partial support (currently 80 %) for its approved members, who are under the care of the church Session, while they are receiving theological training to the end that they may be able to give themselves more fully to intensive study and preparation for serving our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eligible seminaries and its faculty must be in agreement with the Seven Essentials of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and teach doctrine from a reformed perspective. Historically, the Second Presbyterian Church Session has approved Covenant Theological Seminary, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, Redeemer Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, Regent Theological Seminary, Trinity Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary.
Recent Graduates and Where They are Serving Now
Bill Finnell: Masters of Divinity 2011, Columbia International
Bill works for Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences as the Counselor providing mental health counseling. He is currently enrolled in Columbia International University seeking a Doctorate of Ministry in Member Care with a focus in clinical counseling for missionaries and cross cultural workers living in the states and serving abroad.
Mary Willson: Masters of Divinity and Masters of Theology 2009, Gordon Conwell
Mary is Director of Women in Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she focuses on biblical exposition and discipleship of women of all ages and life-stages.
David Stenberg: Masters of Divinity 2009, Gordon Conwell
David is the Associate Pastor at All Saints Presbyterian Church in midtown Memphis. All Saints is a church plant of Second Presbyterian that seeks to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood in which God has placed it. David coordinates all neighborhood outreach and mercy ministry to the Crosstown Community.
Carson Weitnauer: Masters of Divinity 2009, Gordon Conwell
Carson is Director of Telos Ministries in Boston, Mass. Telos is the Greek word for purpose, goal or end and thus the ministry works to enable students in Boston to realize their full purpose in life. It is committed to developing students who are spiritually growing, relationally connected, biblically thinking, apologetically prepared, socially conscientious, and multiplicatively reproducing. Students attend schools such as Berklee College of Music, Boston College, Boston College Law School, Boston University, Brandeis University, Harvard University, and other schools that are represented at Church of the Cross.
Thomas McIntyre: Masters of Divinity 2008, RTS Orlando
Thomas and his wife Jennifer are serving in Chiayi county, Zhongpu Township, Taiwan. They are part of a church planting team reaching out to working-class people. While hearts are hard and the ministry is tough, they greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve among these unengaged peoples.
Current Students
Andrew Vincent: May 2012, Masters of Divinity, RTS Jackson
Wiley Lowry: May 2013, Masters of Divinity, RTS Jackson
David Hanson: May 2013, Masters of Divinity, Redeemer Dallas
Andrew Keasling: December 2014, Masters of Arts, RTS
Michael Rhodes: May 2016, Masters of New Testament, Gordon Conwell-Charlotte
