By Ryan Cecil, MDiv Candidate ‘23 TSM, Charles Simeon Institute Summer Fellow
When someone is called into vocational ministry it can lead to a number of fulfilling careers that encompass serving the Lord in mighty ways. For me, after my undergraduate studies, I felt that God desired something quite different for my life than the career path I had chosen in the furniture industry. To be honest, at the time, I was a bit afraid of ministry and felt unworthy of such a call. There was a deep yearning inside of me to serve others and the Lord, but that didn’t fully manifest itself until 17 years later.
My personal calling into ministry began in 2019 after a wilderness experience in my life led me to fully surrender every facet of my life to the Lord. For eight long months, I fought surrendering to my Creator. Things crossed my mind like, where would I have to go? What would I have to do? I was comforted when God gave me complete peace in my surrender and allowed me to rest in him as I was able to fully participate in the leading of the Holy Spirit. Daily, I have learned to fully embrace the words of Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Indeed, as I have done just that, every path that God has laid before me has led to something far greater than I could have ever imagined.
Having always grown up around smaller parishes, coming to St. Peter’s to participate in a summer fellows program seemed daunting. My experience has been anything but that! Rather, it has been warm and welcoming, while the presence of the Lord has been constant. God is truly alive here!
The Charles Simeon Institute has allowed me to gain an in-depth experience of the parish life of a cathedral. The multi-faceted ministry experience has broadened my understanding of what is entailed in serving in a large parish with various ministries. I have greatly appreciated being able to participate in Family Bible School, leading the Daily Office, preaching, teaching, pastoral visits, and wonderful fellowship with you all. It is profoundly evident each and every day that the people of St. Peter’s fully exhibit the fruits of the Spirit,
As I enter my final year at Trinity School for Ministry, I am excited to see what the Lord continues to have in store for my journey into ministry. As we all seek to love and serve the Lord I am reminded of the vivid words of 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
God bless you all!