By Jeff Brumley
Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology hopes a new weekly cable television series featuring its students, graduates and faculty will inspire some viewers to hear and heed their callings into ministry.
“I believe most people are looking for ways to make their lives meaningful,” Lindsey Richardson, minister to families with children at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, said in a news release about her participation in the series. “I love what I do, and I hope to convey that ministry is fulfilling to me.”
The series, McAfee School of Theology: Younger Voices in Ministry, is the creation of the university’s Center for Teaching Churches. The series is produced in partnership with Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters Inc.
The concept is to share with viewers how the center impacts new ministers as they graduate from McAfee and begin to serve in churches in Atlanta and elsewhere.
The first episode featured McAfee’s founding dean, Alan Culpepper, who touted the seminary’s extensive support of students and graduates.
“As with a career in medicine, some things are best learned in practice under supervision and with consultation,” Culpepper said during the episode.
The Center for Teaching Churches was launched in 2010 and currently has 31 participating congregations in seven states. It also features peer learning groups, ministry coaching and other support opportunities.
Upcoming programs will feature young ministers sharing how the center’s resources have helped them in their callings, the news release said.
“It is our hope that those interested in the ministry see this program and realize what it takes to become a messenger of the gospel,” said Collie Burnett, president and CEO of Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters.
The program is carried by both Comcast and AT&T U-verse. Those unable to see the program on television may watch the show online.