Jenny Marble, AoP 2013
Anderson University School of Theology, MDV Candidate ‘13
“Do not dare not to dare.” C. S. Lewis
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” -Helen Keller
“Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, ‘I’m with you kid. Let’s go!’” -Maya Angelou
On August 19, 2010 I situated myself in a Honda Civic with three other women as we began a road trip across the United States. Our final destination was Anderson, IN. What was our purpose? To move my friend and me into our apartment to begin our studies at Anderson University School of Theology, the Seminary of the Church of God (Anderson, IN) Movement.
I was born and raised in the Portland metro region. Leaving God’s green, coastal-lined, mountain range protected, river-filled and tranquil land was unfathomable, terrifying and seemed insane. It was also what I was called to do to further my education and become a better equipped preacher, teacher and minister of the Gospel. Making the decision to move from everything and everyone I knew was challenging to say the least, yet never before had I experienced as much peace.
Living in Indiana the past three years has been a blessing. God has provided for more than what I needed or wanted through community at the seminary, congregational life, finances, housing, networking and personal spiritual growth that would not have occurred if I ignored the opportunity for this adventure.
I believe that God calls us as preachers to be entrepreneurs; that is, God calls us to join God on an adventure of a lifetime, to seek adventure, never knowing where our call or our sermons may lead us, who we may meet, and how we will be stretched. Entrepreneurs are individuals who could make an obvious, comfortable decision in life, but instead lean into the discomfort of the unknown and embrace adventure wholeheartedly, so that others may be inspired to accompany God on life’s journey. Entrepreneurs proclaim a message from the Lord that may be uncomfortable to hear. We are willing to befriend those who are ignored by society, set aside time to be present and meet the needs of others. Entrepreneurs are individuals who do not listen to the discouraging voices that tell us what we cannot do; rather we listen to the encouraging voices telling us what we are capable of doing to proclaim the Gospel message.
As followers of Christ, we can be entrepreneurs with faith believing that it is God who will strengthen, guide, provide and comfort us in the times of uncertainty. There is no need to fear when we are on an adventure with God.
As I look at scripture, I have a challenging time finding examples of individuals who did not seek or walk with God on an adventure. I look at numerous stories including those of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Ruth, Deborah, Paul, the disciples, and God in human flesh, Christ. It is because of these entrepreneurs who went on adventures before us that we are encouraged, refreshed, and given hope to persevere. Centuries have passed and yet their faithfulness to God inspires us to be modern-day entrepreneurs, passing on the stories of God’s faithfulness to future generations.
Three years ago I left Oregon on an adventure for Indiana. Two months from now, I will graduate with my Master of Divinity degree as a changed individual with new relationships, a greater perspective, an increased faith in God, an increased love for people, and the yearning to go on my next adventure in ministry.
Although we do not know what tomorrow may bring or what adventure God will take us on next, as ministers and preachers, we can say “Yes” to God throughout our lives on this earth. We are entrepreneurs who can trust in God’s companionship on every step of the journey as we proclaim the message of the Gospel to a world in need.