Waiting for the Call to Come

by Stephen Nelson

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I was often asked this question as a youngster, and I admit that the answer probably changed as many times as the question was asked. One of my favorite answers was professional basketball player. While that may not be humorous to those who don’t know me, those who do know me realize what a laughable idea it was.

After performing in a couple of church plays, I was sure I wanted to be an actor. While visiting in the hospital with my granddad, Reverend Earl Hanna, I told everyone I wanted to be a pastor. But like most young people, my plans and dreams were subject to change on short notice. And that was okay back then. I had plenty of time, and the thought of providing for myself and a family was the last thing on my mind.

Prelude to FWBBC

The first serious thought I gave to my occupation came when I was a high school senior. My English teacher presented the class with what should have been a simple assignment: a career project. I was instructed to select the career I planned on pursuing, familiarize myself with the education and training required, read a book about the career, and write a short paper on what I learned.

Easy enough, right? That was my thinking too. I mean, how hard could it be to pick one job out of the millions of possibilities, a job which I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing? It turned out to be more difficult than I originally estimated. This was my first serious exploration into the world of job markets.

The FWBBC Decision

Fast-forward a few years. I am now a senior at Free Will Baptist Bible College. I came to FWBBC as a 17-year-old with no clue what I wanted to be “when I grew up.” Ironically, it was precisely this fact that shaped my decision to attend the college. I had decided in high school that I would leave my life open for God to call me into the ministry or into whatever field He wanted me. I came to FWBBC with several ideas in mind.

First, I knew if God called me into the ministry, FWBBC would be the best possible place to prepare. I knew I would receive sound pastoral training under some of the great pastors and leaders in our denomination.

Second, after visiting the campus several times, I knew if I did not feel called into the ministry, I would receive a Christ-centered education from their professional and knowledgeable faculty in whatever field I chose to study.

Finally, I knew if God called me somewhere else or to higher education in the future, the classes I took would be fully accredited and transferable.

Life at FWBBC

After arriving on campus, I found myself surrounded by peers and professors from many backgrounds and with various interests. It was amazing to me that students from all over the country with all kinds of plans and dreams converge at this unique place to prepare for their futures and to grow in Christ.

My freshman year was full of uncertainty. I felt that FWBBC was where I was supposed to be, but beyond that I had no idea what to expect. My favorite subject in high school was English. It was the class I enjoyed most and had to study the least to do well. I loved reading classical literature and began developing an interest in writing. After some time at FWBBC, it became apparent to me that journalism was an area I could pursue and develop further. So, at the beginning of my second semester, I declared English as my major.

I am now just a few months away from graduating with a BA degree in English. I have learned much in my time at FWBBC that will stay with me throughout the rest of my life. I have learned the importance of God’s Word and how it affects every aspect of my life. I have learned the importance of hard work and the rewards that come as a result of doing everything “to the glory of God.” And while I knew these things before coming to FWBBC, the atmosphere and overall spirit of the college provided an environment conducive to growing academically, socially, and spiritually.

The Wish List

If I could go back and relive the last four years of my life, I’m sure there would be things I would change. I wish I had been less introverted and had gotten closer to more people. I wish I had spent more time with my professors, gleaning more practical wisdom from them. I wish I had studied harder and not procrastinated so much.

But the one thing I would never change was my decision to attend FWBBC. I can honestly say that Free Will Baptist Bible College was the right place for me. If I left right now and never received an official degree, my time here would have been worthwhile. I have experienced more growth here than would have been possible anywhere else. I am so thankful for the sacrificial support of my parents to provide me with this opportunity, as well as those who have had a part in my experiences here.

FWBBC and You

I hope my story can encourage those who find themselves in the same place I was four years ago. The thought that helped me most throughout that time of uncertainty was from Proverbs 3: 5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I don’t claim to have everything figured out. I am quickly approaching another major area of uncertainty in my life as I prepare to enter the “real world.” But if I have learned anything in my time at FWBBC, it is this—you can trust God to lead from day to day, and He has promised to direct our lives and be with us every step of the way.

About the Writer: Stephen Nelson, a senior English major at Free Will Baptist Bible College and resident assistant in Goen Hall (men’s dormitory), is from New Bern, NC. During the 2011 Free Will Baptist national convention, he served as a convention press intern.