Over my 26 years of service in the Coast Guard I’ve had the opportunity to serve in many capacities: as a subordinate to service leaders, as a rescuer during search and rescue missions, as a law enforcement officer interdicting the smuggling of illegal narcotics or enforcing federal fisheries regulations and now as a lead engineer responsible for directing others in the maintenance and operation of equipment aboard a 225 feet buoy tender. As rewarding as many of these opportunities have been, few compare to the opportunity to serve as Unit Lay Reader; a voluntary position responsible for providing worship opportunities and discipleship training to fellow shipmates while at sea. After serving in this capacity at three different units I have
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Scripture provides us with instruction to fulfill the “Great Commission.” As simple as the Gospel Truth is, there are many questions raised that challenge the importance and validity of the message. Pursuing the associates program in Biblical Studies at Colorado Christian University would provide a greater foundation of understanding how to approach these challenges in a loving, Christ-centered approach that I feel would ultimately help alleviate personal biases, removing me from the picture while allowing the Holy Spirit to move in each individual’s life. Individual growth in my own understanding of scripture and how it applies to my life is another benefit I have experienced while acting as a Unit Lay Reader. While developing presentations and studying organized discipleship studies I have come to realize that as a facilitator, I have to be prepared for any avenue a discussion could possibly go. In preparing for these discussions I often learned more on an individual level than I would have if I were solely conducting a personal study on the lesson topic. Realizing the impact of this individual growth and how the Holy Spirit uses it in the process of sanctification, I have developed a stronger desire to continue in studies that enhance my understanding of
Scripture provides us with instruction to fulfill the “Great Commission.” As simple as the Gospel Truth is, there are many questions raised that challenge the importance and validity of the message. Pursuing the associates program in Biblical Studies at Colorado Christian University would provide a greater foundation of understanding how to approach these challenges in a loving, Christ-centered approach that I feel would ultimately help alleviate personal biases, removing me from the picture while allowing the Holy Spirit to move in each individual’s life. Individual growth in my own understanding of scripture and how it applies to my life is another benefit I have experienced while acting as a Unit Lay Reader. While developing presentations and studying organized discipleship studies I have come to realize that as a facilitator, I have to be prepared for any avenue a discussion could possibly go. In preparing for these discussions I often learned more on an individual level than I would have if I were solely conducting a personal study on the lesson topic. Realizing the impact of this individual growth and how the Holy Spirit uses it in the process of sanctification, I have developed a stronger desire to continue in studies that enhance my understanding of