The WHY of a Degree
Why get a Master of Divinity in My Late 60s?
You might ask WHY I would spend three and half years and lots of money to get a Master of Divinity in my late 60s. The only answer I have is — that I pursue God and His purposes for me.
I didn’t start out to get a degree. I started out in healing school because I wanted to help those with rejection issues. I was raised to be practical, and an M.Div. seems to be about the most impractical thing I could do at my age. So — why?
I wanted to know what pastors know. As a layperson, I always felt a bit at a disadvantage with pastors and professors. They had studied things I hadn’t. For most of my life, it didn’t matter … until I went to Bible school 22 years ago. I learned a little about what the pastors knew then. But I still felt at a disadvantage. Yet I kept pursuing the Lord. And I still do.
Many who are called to ministry can point to a time when they “knew” they were “called.” Not me. I just follow Christ, and little by little, I get an idea to pursue more knowledge of God. Until now. I have a degree. You may wonder what I will “do” with it. I don’t have all the specifics. I said in my last post that I am contemplating officially launching Refreshing Streams, an inner healing online and in-person ministry for those with rejection and other emotional issues. I will need a team to do those things.
I will be offering webinar training sessions for those interested in learning more. I will offer online inner healing and in-person sessions for those seeking emotional healing. It’s still being formulated, but I will be available, especially in my region, for in-person training and teaching. It’s what Dr. Randy Clark prayed for me as he laid hands on me. He said, “We pray You’d make her a light in the Lancaster area, in Jesus’ name. Open doors to other churches, so she can teach others.” I’d love that. I am available to teach, preach, hold healing services, etc. Whatever you or your church or group might need. My desire is to bring healing in whatever the Lord desires. The last piece of my story will come out in a future blog post. I want to negate everything about the way I was conceived to bring healing to others as Christ has healed me.
Another thing I will be seeking is credentialing. I sought more local licensure, but things changed in my area. Only people in pastoral positions get licensed by their church, and our regional network no longer offers it. Yes, I know it’s not necessary to be credentialed. I just feel it would be helpful—especially in ministering at other churches, as Dr. Clark prayed. Above all, I ask for your prayers as I seek to follow God’s will in places I have never been before. It’s an exciting time. I have never stepped out quite like this before.
#GATS #MDiv #PursuingJesus #RefreshingStreams #Christianhealing
Donna L.H. Smith 