No Turning Back
A Testimony from Shane Miller, M.Div. student

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it (Luke 14:28). Ministry is an investment; all servants of God must invest time, resources, and effort in the pursuit of what they believe God has called them to do. Shane Miller is no different.

He and his family felt called to the mission field—possibly to Durban, South Africa. However, after counting the cost, he determined that he would need some serious training in that area. So he, his wife Shelly, and their three children headed out to Baptist Bible College.

Shane and his family moved to Clarks Summit from Toledo, Ohio, in 2002. After working for a few months off-campus, he accepted a position as the Mailroom Supervisor at BBC. A year after starting his undergrad classes at the College, Shane began his role as a Resident Director in Ridley Hall. “Being a dorm parent has been a huge blessing for me. I really enjoy seeing guys grow and be changed by grace. It’s amazing to see them leave as men prepared for ministry.” Shane is now the Director of Safety and Student Activities.

After finishing his undergraduate work at BBC, Shane enrolled in the M.Div. program at Baptist Bible Seminary. “I originally wanted to get my degree and head straight to the mission field. However, the more I learned in College, the more I realized that I wasn’t entirely ready for all of the problems and complications that I would face on the field. I knew some of the Seminary professors from church and from work, and they all encouraged me to continue my education at BBS.

”“By far, the most valuable thing about my Seminary education is the model I received from the professors. I’ve developed leadership skills by working with the Seminary Leadership Team, and I’ve grown in general Bible knowledge, but the example of godly men practicing their faith both in class and in ministry is invaluable.

“I’m not certain when we’ll make it to the mission field. I will be doing my internship at my home church in Toledo. After I complete my M.Div., I will probably pursue more education, but not right away. I’m very excited to get out on the mission field. God has laid the burden of evangelism on my heart; I just want to make certain that I am prepared for it."

return to the Winter 2007 Paraklesis