Asking Good Questions: Jennifer Shook, Master of Theological Studies student

 

Students are at the heart of Christian Theological Seminary, and they are also the fortunate recipients of the generosity from those deeply committed to theological education. This steadfast support helps shape future generations of theologians and counseling professionals. In this issue of CTS Connect, we are spotlighting student stories that reflect both their experiences and gratitude, showcasing the transformative impact of scholarship support. 

Jennifer Shook has questions.

For you. For her classmates. For her professors. For the woman down the street.

For God.

As a Christian for about seven years, she had a voracious appetite for knowledge of her fledgling faith. She signed up for all her church’s classes, read books, took classes and courses online.

“I just wasn’t getting it,” says Shook. “Especially in my church setting, inquiries were not encouraged. I wanted an opportunity for conversational exploration.”

She took the questions as a call to attend school and explore her faith. That calling produced more questions: What about my career? What can I do with another master’s degree when I don’t want to be clergy? How can I afford this, with my own teenager about to go off to college?

And then, one Friday, she had breakfast with a Baptist minister who suggested she check out CTS. She signed up for more information and got a call from admissions on the same day. At a prospective open house the next week, she was surrounded by other, second career/mid-life knowledge seekers. A month later, she was accepted with a full scholarship.

“When you really listen to God and follow the path he’s laid out, it’s smooth,” says Shook. “It’s an amazing gift that people had resources to share and they chose to share them with me.”

Shook knows God’s not done with her. Now, she’s Resource Development Senior Associate for Global Ministries, a shared mission of the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ.

“It’s the perfect match of what I’m called to do and what I do well,” says Shook. “CTS taught me we’re all meant to do something important for God’s world.”