Bachelor of Theology student Beverley States reflects on her call to ministry and how ADC is equipping her to serve the mission of God with transformative impact.
Discovering a Passion
I grew up in East Preston, a small beautiful rural African Nova Scotian community as the second eldest of six children. Following high school graduation, I pursued a career in nursing.
After working in many different specialty areas, I discovered my passion was mental health nursing. It later guided me to forensic mental health, which was missional nursing – missional because I had a unique opportunity to inspire hope for those recovering from the brokenness of mental illness, conflict with the law, and institutionalization.
Eventually, this led me to have a crucial role in helping to develop a diversionary program whereby those with mental illness and in conflict with the law did not have to remain in hospital institutions; instead, they could begin working on their recovery immediately.
Call to Ministry
A year after I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour, I heard my name, “Beverley,” in a quiet, peaceful voice while lying in bed one evening. At the time, I couldn’t make sense of it. It took years of studying, analyzing, and immersion in the Word, asking questions, and learning from mentors and teachers before I realized this was God’s calling on my life.
During this time, I also received some informal training in sermon preaching and teaching for facilitating bible study, new life classes, Sunday school classes, and membership classes. However, as I engaged in these teachings and got more involved in ministry, I discerned that God was calling me to enrol in formal theological education. Therefore, I applied and was accepted into the Bachelor of Theology Program at Acadia Divinity College in 2019.
Equipped to Serve
Since enrolling at Acadia Divinity College, I have learned much about God’s loving nature for his creation. In addition, it has given me a more in-depth understanding of the theology behind some of my biblical knowledge. So far, ADC has taught me so much about the extent of ministry work, and it reinforced for me the importance of being educated, so I avoid teaching false doctrine. The journey with my ADC community will continue after graduation, ordination, and beyond. I am so excited!
In 2021, I accepted the position of East Preston United Baptist Church administrative assistant, where I’ve been a member since 2018. Yet, my ministry is congregational care focusing on elder care, grief support, healing, counselling, and recovery. The ministry has taught me that caring for the soul is essential, not just for the receiver but also for the giver – in ministry, we must pay attention to what’s in our own reserve to serve most effectively.
