Just Like Dad?

Sem. Ben Mayes

One day, after I got home from middle school, my dad sat down with me and said, "Son, we'll be happy with you no matter what you do decide to do, but we really think you should be a pastor." A pastor? I really didn't like the sound of that. You see my dad is a pastor, and at the time I did not want to follow in his footsteps. I could hear everyone saying, "Oh, how nice! You're going to be a preacher just like your father." I did NOT want to be "just like dad." Besides, pastors don't make a lot of money and they're not the most popular sorts of men.

Even though I didn't want to be "just like dad," I respected my father's immense knowledge. The man knew around five languages! He could open up a book filled with all kinds of writing I couldn't read and tell me what each word meant and why it was important. The book was the Greek New Testament. But even greater than his knowledge was his wisdom. He was a true pastor, guiding his sheep to the divine mysteries of the Word and Sacraments.

That day, after I got home from middle school, I didn't want to be a pastor. But really, I had no idea what the ministry was all about! In high school, I had no opportunity to go to the seminary with other young men my age. I had no chance to experience firsthand what the study of theology is all about. I had no chance to talk with other guys about my hesitations and to find out I had nothing to be worried about.

That's why I'm excited to be a part of Christ Academy 2000. This summer, thirty young men will get the chance I never had. They'll come to our beautiful campus, live in the dorms "college style," play sports, work at service projects, participate in divine worship, taste the depths of Lutheran theology, and make some great friends.

If you've ever wondered if the ministry is for you, why not apply for Christ Academy 2000?

Ben Mayes is a second-year seminarian at CTS and is the Christ Academy Coordinator.