Obtaining an M.Div – CLI can Help!

Obtaining an M.Div

My name is William Bryan Davison.

I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida USA. I grew up attending McIllwain Memorial Presbyterian Church as a child. At the age of five, I was witnessed to by my mother, and knelt down one evening and accepted Christ as my savior. So began my life with Christ. As a teenager, I grew interested in ministry and attended the theological institute offered by McIllwain. Shortly after, I was invited to preach at a local Baptist church on an as needed basis. My very first sermon was about biblical “friendship.” After graduating from Pine Forest High School, I joined the military and served in the United States Air Force. Returning to Florida after the military, I started a career in telecommunications consulting. I moved to Georgia USA to be closer to my family. It was during this relocation that I began hearing God speak to me about returning to ministry. I started working with children’s ministry in a local church. Two years later, some friends and I started a non-denominational mid-week ministry for high school and college-age students specifically designed for them. What started as a bible study type environment quickly grew into a complete worship service with an attendance of 30-40. We shared preaching duties, counseling, and theological teaching. It was during this time that I visited Harvest Church UMC. Shortly after that, the ministry we had started was growing and was later combined into a new church, which is still pastored by my friend. I joined Harvest Church -UMC as a member and began hearing the call to return to children’s ministry.

I started working with children’s ministry in a local church. Two years later, some friends and I started a non-denominational mid-week ministry for high school and college-age students specifically designed for them. What started as a bible study type environment quickly grew into a complete worship service with an attendance of 30-40. We shared preaching duties, counseling, and theological teaching. It was during this time that I visited Harvest Church UMC. Shortly after that, the ministry we had started was growing and was later combined into a new church, which is still pastored by my friend. I joined Harvest Church -UMC as a member and began hearing the call to return to children’s ministry.

I literally could hear God speaking to me, and pushing me into teaching children. The push was so strong, I could not resist, and I didn’t want to. I can only describe it as being 100% convicted, and convinced by the Holy Spirit that I absolutely must follow His instruction and go. It was an experience and decision that completely transformed my relationship with Christ, and has brought immeasurable joy into my life.

I quickly volunteered for children’s ministry and was mentored by Julie Ray, who so graciously spent the time to teach me, and to lead me in this calling.

To date, I am currently serving as a volunteer children’s minister at Harvest Church UMC, in their elementary program (K-5th) called “Kidstown,” where we teach and share the gospel and biblical life application to 400-600 children each weekend.

I am profoundly grateful to my pastor Jim and Jennifer Cowart for their continued guidance, counsel, and teaching, and for the opportunity, I have been given through the people of Harvest Church. I love each and every one of you, and I am eternally blessed by this mission.

As my current primary mission through ministry is the sharing of the gospel and life application of biblical principles to children, I am content and honored to be called in this role.

As a ministry “dream” though, I would like to continue to grow spiritually and faithfully as a director of children’s ministry or professional Christian education role, possibly even pastoral, with further opportunities to preach, lead, and help grow the kingdom of God through the guidance of our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.

There are challenges for me to achieve that ministry dream. Specifically the lack of funds, and education. This is the reason I chose CLI. For the first time, I saw a door opening to continue moving ahead, and I believe that God opened that door. That through this period of education, He will increase my knowledge, spiritual wellbeing, and devotion. God willing, I will complete my degree at CLI, and obtaining an M.Div or M.Th. Even though my personal ministry “dream” would be to move forward, I will faithfully submit to the will of God regarding whatever, or wherever he calls me in the future.

I’ve heard His call before, and I know what it brings to follow Him unconditionally. I pray that anyone reading my profile, regardless of where you are at if you hear Him call. GO IMMEDIATELY! May the God of all creation, who is everything that is righteous, holy, and just guide your every footstep.