The Call
By John L. Hopkins, resident bishop for the
East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
When you’ve been in ministry for more than 38 years, you have the opportunity to revisit your own call to ministry several times. You also have the opportunity to walk alongside others who respond to God’s call in their lives. Most recently, I had that experience at General Conference.
I attended the Higher Education Celebration that honored the 122 academic and theological institutions related to our church. These schools are educating the next generation of student leaders who will determine the future of The United Methodist Church. This movement was born at Oxford University by the Wesley brothers who never allow knowledge and vital piety to be separated from one another.
The highlight of the evening was a musical presentation by a 120-member student choir representing nearly 30 of our academic institutions. One of the singers was Sarah Husted, a sophomore at Baldwin-Wallace College who directs the NEWSingers at the United Methodist Church of Berea. The evening reminded me how higher education helps to clarify God’s call and forms leaders for every generation.
When the program was over a smiling young woman greeted me and said, “Do you remember me? I’m Laura Kirkpatrick.” Of course I smiled back but I did not recognize her at the moment.
She continued, “I was in your church — The Methodist Temple — when I was a student at the University of Evansville. I think you were elected bishop and moved to Minnesota my senior year.”
My smile grew and I started to shake my head in disbelief. How could I not have recognized her? I tried to cover by saying, “I remember you, but after I moved to Minnesota I lost touch with many people.”
Laura proudly exclaimed, “I graduated from college and then from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Now, I am a Campus Minister at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn.!” Laura was excited to reconnect with me, proud of what she had accomplished, and grateful to be serving God in ministry.
Since campus ministry was my first calling, I immediately became interested in her call to ministry, how she found that position, and what local church encouraged her along the way. I wondered if my ministry in Evansville had any influence on her vocational path. We didn’t have much time to talk. So I asked her to stay in touch with me regarding her ministry.
Laura gave me her card and said, “After this summer, my last name will not be Kirkpatrick. It will be McMasters. I’m getting married!”
I gave her my card, hugged and thanked her for reminding me that our institutions are not just bricks and mortar. They are about helping people hear God’s claim upon their lives. Every student is challenged to appreciate their God-given talents and find a way to use their unique set of gifts in the service of others.
As we parted that evening, I began to wonder how many students get lost along the way. Sometimes in the midst of other church business, we lose our connection with our students. Sometimes we simply lose track of one another. This encounter with Laura reminded me that a little encouragement goes a long way.
As I left the Higher Education Celebration, I had a deep humble pride in my heart. I was glad to be a United Methodist. The dream of people, long before I was born, established institutions of higher education that have helped people hear God’s call in their lives. Laura is the fruit of this dream. I wonder how many other college students are responding to God’s claim upon their life.
Take a few moments and remember your call. Think of the family, friends, and colleagues who have helped you on your journey in ministry. If someone in your church has responded to God’s call in their life, please take the time to stay connected. After all, God has called each of us into ministry in one form or another.
