By Steven Hauss
Guest Writer
The Union University School of Theology and Missions hosted its fall colloquium event Oct. 8 to give students a perspective on their future careers in ministry and academia.
Ben Burleson, programming director for the Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career, helped plan this event to answer the question, “What do I do with a degree in theology and missions?”
Ray Van Neste, professor of Greek and New Testament and director of the Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, organized a panel of Union alumni who are using their degrees for different purposes in West Tennessee.
The guests included Justin Wainscott, pastor of First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn., John Jicka, a former missionary and pastor of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Tenn., and Pepper Pratt, clinical psychologist and adjunct professor at Union.
Each of these men spoke highly of their educational experience under the leadership of the School of Theology and Missions faculty and staff.
“At Union I gained the ability to learn from a text,” Wainscott said. “The biblical languages cause you to slow down and read the text carefully.”
Jicka said he benefited from observing “a great laboratory of ministry.”
Pratt said to take advantage of mentoring opportunities at Union.
“There are faculty here who will get to know you and invest in you,” he said.
The School of Theology and Missions plans to host a similar event this spring.
