Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Whenever I read this passage from 1 Corinthians, I am tempted to assume that there is some sort of Spirit-led “sorting hat” that separates people into those who have the gifts to teach, and those who preach, those who are musicians, those who are called to be doctors and nurses, and the list could go on. Instead, I have found that each of us is given a configuration of gifts that can be used in a variety of ways.
One of my greatest joys while serving at Trinity has been sitting with seminary students as they reflect on their unique gifts and the kinds of ministry that God is calling them to. Watching students as they work their way through their theological education programs and engage in contextual learning and formation has been a privilege to behold. As I see them find their voices and hone their skills, and even shore up the areas they are least good at but necessary for the work they are being called to, I can see the Spirit nudging and encouraging them. I can tell that God is at work forming each student into the unique leader they are called to be.
As I have walked alongside students as they discern what kind of work God might be calling them to carry out in the world, I have also been tending to my own discernment. I felt very called to Trinity and the role of Director of Contextual and Experiential Formation. I could see how I had the gifts and experience needed to help Trinity hone the 2+2 curriculum and reimagine itself in the midst of a changing environment for theological education and the merger with Capital University. That internal sense of call was validated externally by many along the way.
Yet, for anyone who pays attention to the Spirit as they discern their call, they know that call is punctuated by seasons. I have loved my work at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. I am thankful for all I have been able to accomplish, the friends and colleagues I have made along the journey, and the ways I have personally grown and developed in the midst of my service.
And yet, the Spirit who provides a variety of gifts has nudged me forward to enter a new season of ministry. My husband, Gray Marshall, and I have been called to serve as co-pastors at The Presbyterian Church of Wyoming in the greater Cincinnati area. We are excited to be rooted in one community where we can connect more deeply and our children can grow up. We will begin this chapter of ministry in late July. While I go on to new service, I go knowing that we serve the same Lord and it is the same God who led me to Trinity who is preparing me for this new ministry. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be connected to the work of the seminary and will be praying for the Trinity community even as I depart. May God continue to gift and prepare leaders to serve Christ’s church at work in the world.
For help with any contextual matters, please start using the e-mail address
tlscontextualed@capital.edu
which will be monitored throughout the transition to a new Director.
The Rev. Anne C.S. Marshall, D.Min.
Director of Contextual and Experiential Formation
