This time 30 years ago we were preparing to graduate from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. with degrees in biology, business, English and religion/Christian education and answer God’s call in our new lives and work.
That was then — this is now.
This time — this year — after 30 years of educational and parish ministry, I am back on the Presbyterian College campus preparing to grade exams and participate in my first graduation ceremony in my new life and work as the dean of religious life and director of the Cornelson Center for the Exploration of Christian Practice.
This time — this year — I watch and listen and learn as seniors prepare for their final exams, graduate and answer God’s call in their new lives and work. I watch and grow as these young men and women pass on the mantle of leadership to those who follow them. I watch and assist our students as they seek to embrace Presbyterian College’s motto, Dum Vivimus Servimus (While We Live We Serve), by taking on internships in public schools, children’s homes and nursing homes, by mentoring and tutoring at — risk kids, and by working for hospice, Habitat for Humanity and the United Way.
I am privileged to watch as young men spend their spring break working to liberate women and girls from the sex-trafficking trade in Atlanta and along the I-95 corridor and as the Presbyterian Student Association plans for a mission trip just after exams during Advent next year. I am amazed by young men and women who take a semester, “Maymester” or summer abroad to live, study and work in other nations.
I watch and support these young leaders in the faith as they give heart and soul to host Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and a host of other volunteer services. I watch as these young women and men, faculty and staff members work, play, worship, serve, question, grapple, learn and grow together as a church-related, service-oriented liberal arts college.
I watch and listen and write numerous letters of recommendation to seminaries, graduate schools, summer jobs and first calls. I watch and listen and celebrate almost twice as many applications for next year’s ministry and service programs. I am filled with pride as our seniors pass the torch to the next generation of servant-leaders at Presbyterian College. They are commencing … beginning new chapters of life and work, and so am I. For all of us — students, faculty and staff — there is God’s clear call to new life and work and the assurance of God’s abiding presence and providence in all that is before us.
I watch and I listen and I want to share some of the most encouraging words I’ve heard along the way of this freshman year as dean of religious life:
“I feel called and compelled to serve campus ministry because I want to strengthen the community that I live in and care about so deeply.”
“I seek to create an environment, with representation from all Christian groups, that positively impacts and influences growth in religious life on campus with an emphasis on spirituality within a common community.”
“I bring a deep love of questioning/learning and a willingness to grow. I bring enthusiasm, joy and a passion for the PC (USA).”
In all this I am blessed and encouraged and my hope is renewed for the church, the nation, and the world.
Jeri Perkins is dean of religious life at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C.
