MY CALL
I believe my call began very early in my childhood even though I was not aware of it at the time. We lived in the country but near the Beachdale Church of the Brethren. After my father was killed, we were able to walk to church since my mother did not drive. Church became an important part of my growing up experience and that had a positive impact on my call to ministry. I was influenced by two Sunday school teachers who would commend me when I would answer a question or read scripture. This encouragement was positive because it encouraged my spiritual growth and faith commitment. Involvement in the faith community allowed me to witness people of faith and they were important role models for me.
Another step in my ministry call was being assistant Sunday school superintendent my senior year in high school. For me, being in front of a group was not easy, but God gave me the courage and confidence to stand in front of the church and have the opening devotions for church school. My call to the set-apart ministry happened in small increments, but it culminated one evening after a church board meeting. I shared with my pastor, Brother Dean Shetler, that I was feeling lead to pastoral ministry. He was very supportive and helped get the licensing process started.
The one mistake I made was talking to the pastor before I talked to my wife Linda. After the shock wore off, she was and continues to be a strong helpmate in my ministry. While my interview by the District Ministry Commission went well, one of the members challenged me to consider college and Bethany Seminary.
I almost laughed when I heard that because we had two children, and I thought that was impossible. However, God knew that an education was going to be necessary for the next steps He had for me in the set-apart ministry. The skills I learned during my educational training at McPherson College and Bethany Theological Seminary have been valuable in my ministry. Valuing education is why I am supportive of the ACTS Program and the educational opportunities offered by SVMC.
The skills learned during your educational training will be valuable assets in the ministry God is calling you, too.
Ronald D. Beachley
Retired District Minister
Western PA District
