Gammon Theological Seminary hosted their 2022 in-person graduation ceremony last month. There were 12 candidates that received their degrees in various disciplines. President Lewis had these words to say:
“Our Spring 2022 Semester culminated with a week-long celebration and in-person graduation. I was honored to place a red hood, symbolic of a religious degree, upon each seminarian and congratulate them on this significant accomplishment.
In addition, we celebrate our seminarians who received new pastoral appointments and those who are continuing in existing churches starting July 2022. As we send our seminarians forth to serve, we are grateful to our God, who has called, chosen, and entrusted this ministry to them.”
Gammon Theological Seminary is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries supported by the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment of the United Methodist Church.
Below we learn more about Eric Powell, his Gammon experience and his future endeavors.
What led you to Gammon Theological Seminary?
I was offered admission by Dr. Edward Wimberly. I accepted his invitation because of the Afrocentrism nature of the theological education they provide and saw this as an awesome opportunity to enhance my ministry and make a positive impact on the world and the community that I serve.
What’s one of your favorite experiences while attending Gammon?
The interaction between the students and the faculty members is second to none. The classroom experience prior to the pandemic was phenomenal. The ability to be in class with classmates from other denominations richly enhanced my educational process.
During your time at Gammon, who has been your inspiration to keep pushing forward?
Rev. Dr. Maisha Handy, Dr. Lavonia McIntyre, Dr. Riggins Earl, Dr. Edward Wimberly, Dr. Ann Wimberly, Dr. Mark Lomax, and Dr. Itihari Toure. Each of these professors has poured into my spirit and ministry by sharing their God-given gifts and talents to make me the prophetic problem-solver I have become.
What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a seminary degree?
Be certain you are called to attend seminary and be prepared to give 100% effort to pursuing your degree. You will need a persistent and determined spirit, and at times, you will need to encourage yourself on your theological journey. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance. Your journey is personal, but it does not have to be private.
In this new exciting season, what’s next for you after graduation?
I am currently a United Methodist Church Pastor and am excited about using my new skills and talents with the congregation I am serving. I look forward to utilizing the new knowledge and the expertise I have gained in Religion and Education to be more of the prophetic problem-solver I have become. I look forward to being more of a blessing to God and His Kin-dom.
Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
