By Ralene Berry
David writes, “the steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23) My Grace experience is an example of God ordering one’s steps. From the moment I accepted my calling into the ministry under the leadership of Dr. John R. Adolph of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, I feel like I have been on a whirlwind roller coaster ride orchestrated by God. I never imagined I would thirst for the Word of God as much as I have after tasting my first Grace course, Hermeneutics, with Dr. Mark “Dean” Haywood.
Growing up in a home based upon Christian values, I knew who God was and how to study. Yet when I began my studies at Grace, I experienced a new world of truth, knowledge, enlightenment and spiritual growth. I have been able to see the big picture of the Bible, as Dr. Haywood calls the Biblical Meta-Narrative “God’s sovereign right to rule on earth as He does in heaven, His right to love, and to be loved.” This biblical truth has helped me mature in Christ daily.
I will never forget that first class with Dr. Haywood when he told the class to “see it through!” This mantra has helped me persevere through each of the amazing courses I have taken to pursue the degree I never thought I’d accomplish. Honestly, when Dr. Adolph encouraged me as a new clergy member to take some Bible courses, I never imagined that completing a theological degree was attainable. After completing five plus years at California State University, Northridge in the Software Engineering program, I was six months shy of graduating before illness derailed my plans. I did not believe God had it in the plans for me to finish school. After 20 years working as an Engineer, I thought I’d never have an opportunity to achieve a degree yet thought something was missing. I now know that working in ministry and achieving something for Christ was that missing something. I understand what the Lord meant when He declared, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)
This May, I became the first student to receive an Undergraduate degree from Grace School of Theology. Only God could have directed my path to such an institution that provides sound doctrine in a spirit of Christ’s love. I am truly excited to continue to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Grace as I minister to students and serve as the Educational Technologist for Grace. It is truly by His grace that a ministry opportunity such as this allows me to utilize the gifts God has endowed me with at an organization that I love. Personally, I serve as an Associate Minister for Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Beaumont, Texas, while traveling the country proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also blessed to be a public speaker and author empowering, encouraging and exalting women around the world to become the woman God has designed them to be.
These past two years, I have had the awesome privilege to study under the most amazing group of faculty members who teach the uncompromising Gospel of Jesus Christ with passion. The guidance, instruction, and support of Dr. Dave Anderson has encouraged me to study, learn, desire and teach. My personal ministry has grown because of the Grace experience. The message of God’s grace and His redemptive power is what defines the ministry of Grace School of Theology, a Seminary to the World.
Only God knows what He has in store next, by His Grace!