What will I experience as a GRTS student? What classes will I take? How will the professors help me through my program? What is so exciting about Grand Rapids? Gain some valuable insight on GRTS and Grand Rapids from the perspective of current students!
Shannon Gibson
M.A. Counseling
Expected Graduation Date: May 2014
Why did you choose to come to GRTS?
I chose GRTS because the seminary seeks to integrate the field of counseling with Biblical principles. Essentially I am gaining not only a professional education, but a spiritual foundation upon which to practice.
Describe your favorite GRTS experience:
My favorite GRTS experience would be connecting with two of my peers in the Counseling Program and discussing not only course material, but life matters. It makes me feel like I have others that journey alongside of me and are willing to pray for me along the way.
What makes you excited about counseling?
I am fulfilled knowing that God has given me the gift and the ability to help in mending broken and often fragmented areas of a person’s life. I am excited to see God working through me, and to see people change as a result of His power working through me.
Tell us a little about your long-term vocational goals:
My long-term goal is to integrate principles of multi-culturalism and the importance of being culturally competent with the field of counseling. I seek to utilize what I have gleaned from this education and apply it to a missional life, representing the incarnational model abroad. I seek to bring healing to the nations.
What GRTS class have you enjoyed the most? Why?
I have enjoyed Consulting class the most because it gives students a chance to practice the basic elements of counseling. It also helps to aid in the counselor-client relationship and the process of facilitating change. This class also gave me a chance to work with my peers and foster solidarity amongst each other. I saw that if one is weaker in one skill, we help each other to succeed and master it. It was very useful and enjoyable.
Chris Young
Master of Divinity, Pastoral Ministries Specialization
Expected Graduation Date: May 2015
Why did you choose to come to GRTS?
After looking at several seminaries in the Ohio/Michigan/Kentucky/Indiana area, I choose to attend GRTS primarily because of the professors and interaction I had with students when I visited the seminary. The students and the professors were interested in who I was and were willing to answer questions. The curriculum at the seminary also appealed to me.
Describe your favorite GRTS experience:
My favorite GRTS experience has been having lunch with professors and students at GRTS. Getting to know other students and professors on a personal level enriches the classroom experience in many ways. The professors are very accessible and happy to get to know students as well.
Tell us a little about your long-term vocational goals:
Upon graduation, I feel called into pastoral ministry. Primarily, I did not grow up in the church and there were several key people who influenced me. I feel called to spend my life doing the same for others through teaching, creating community and caring for others.
What GRTS class have you enjoyed the most? Why?
Dr. Bennett’s class on St. Augustine has been my favorite class at the seminary. The class dealt with both technical theological points and practical issues, which certainly made me think about future ministry. A pastor must be prepared to take complex issues and understand them in light of complex biblical teachings. Then, the pastor must help individuals understand their situations in light of their informed research.
What do you love most about the city of Grand Rapids?
Since I have moved up to Grand Rapids, I have grown to like the city more and more. There are great restaurants and entertainment. My family really enjoys coming up to Grand Rapids for visits.
Want to read more about GRTS from a student perspective? Check out previous student profiles!