The pastoral ministry had a tug on my heart ever since I met my wife, Tina, at Bible school. She and others have encouraged me in that very pursuit. I have battled, struggled, and even ignored the call at times, asking myself, “Am I worthy?” “Am I smart enough?” “Will I fail to do what is right?” Looking at these questions the issue is obvious: I was putting myself before God. 

Isaiah 40:31 says, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” God gave these encouraging words of restoration, protection, and comfort to His people, including me. I have failed many times, but my Lord never fails and is my source of power and strength. 

Tina and I have been blessed to raise a family in a wonderful community. Tina worked as a nurse (LPN) and I at Polaris Industries. Coaching youth sports has been another large part of my journey to seminary. It was the opportunities to be a part of many people’s lives while coaching and at work that played a large part of our decision to come to seminary.  

There are many lost and hurting people who need a Savior, and those who also need encouragement in their walk in Christ. I pray that I may be fully equipped to be used by God that the lost will see their need of Him and come to Him. 

Scott Erickson [AFLTS junior] moved from Badger, Minn., to begin a second career as a pastor in training. 

This article first appeared in Kinship Magazine, Fall 2018 Edition.

Kinship is a magazine of the Free Lutheran Schools. Stay up to date on latest news, student stories, classroom highlights, and fun tidbits about life on the AFLBS and AFLTS campus.

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