The Power of Reflection: Rev. Vernon Stover (MDiv ’92)
As a seminary student at Christian Theological Seminary, Rev. Vernon Stover was known for whistling in the halls. In fact, finding serenity in physical spaces was a skill he learned while at Christian Theological Seminary—a skill that changed his mindset on ministry and that he values late in his career as an interim minister.
“I found immense power in being able to walk the halls and be in a place like CTS,” Rev. Stover reflects. “Every church I go to, I find the spot within the church building where I can sit and be reflective.”
In reflection, Rev. Stover finds power to help identify solutions for his congregations.
“The challenge of reflection is looking within yourself and saying ‘this is a truth I’ve been trying to ignore.’”
Prior to CTS, he taught music, art, and theatre at a Catholic boy’s school. In his church life, he started gaining more ministry duties at a Disciples of Christ congregation in Lakewood, Ohio. He came to CTS wanting to start a not-for-profit theatre group for kids in the area, and thought ordination would assist him in that process.
What he found to assist him in his ministry was a mindset shift towards serenity.
“I discovered a non-direct approach in life. It helped me uncover in others gifts for what they needed in their faith. I found it freeing to look at others as a brother or sister in Christ and first ask how to be a better family member to them.”
“I was given grace to find out who I was as a person of faith, and as a result, who I was going to be as a minister.”
That magic moment of self-actualization is the power Rev. Stover sees in education, specifically at a place like Christian Theological Seminary. And, Rev. Stover says, every educational experience he had—a bachelor’s degree at University of Evansville, a master’s degree at Truman State University, and his M.Div. at Christian Theological Seminary—was a result of someone else giving money so he could be on scholarship and experience the life-changing power of education.
It’s why Rev. Stover gives faithfully to the annual fund and has named Christian Theological Seminary in his estate plan, becoming a member of the Legacy Society.
“I may not be able to pay it forward all in one lump sum, but I give whenever I can,” Rev. Stover says. “And a planned gift gives me a way to pay it forward after I’m no longer here.”
Rev. Stover’s hope for Christian Theological Seminary is that the institution can find ways to help students discover the power of reflection in digital spaces, especially as CTS provides more virtual learning opportunities through its programs.
“If God’s grace is going to be real in the world, it has to be in the virtual world as well.”
