By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – A group of Louisiana Christian University students recently visited New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, accompanied by Heather Johnson, wife of LCU President Mark Johnson, and KB Thomas, director of LCU Student Life.
Johnson said the purpose of the trip, Jan. 23, was to introduce young women to the opportunities in Christian ministry available to them post-graduation in the state. They attended the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon and toured both NOBTS and the on-campus Museum of the Bible and Archeology.
“We want to create opportunities for women who feel called to serve in ministry to process that call through experiences that allow them to see how women are currently serving,” she said.
Students who participated were Melanie Dugas, Mari Manning, Bella McClendon, Abigail Melton, Riley Nickens, Gracie Sonnier and Jeri Vige.
The Women’s Auxiliary is an organization that generates funds for women pursuing theological education.
Johnson served as the keynote speaker for the Women’s Auxiliary luncheon and spoke on “God’s Call, Our Yes,” encouraging students and community members to answer that call and invest in theological education for women. A group of NOBTS students also spoke of their experiences in seminary.
Johnson is an alumna of NOBTS, having earned her Master of Arts in Christian Education, a Master of Theology and a graduate certification in Biblical Studies. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in Christian Education. LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson is also an alumnus of NOBTS, completing his Doctor of Ministry in 2018.
“I wanted our students, especially our young women, to see the opportunities,” Heather Johnson said. “We have so many women serving in so many ways. We really want to make sure our students are aware of the opportunities for graduate degrees and want them to continue to make those connections.”
Thomas said the trip was a wonderful opportunity for her to get to know female students who are feeling a call on their lives.
Vige, a sophomore who is double-majoring in applied biology and Christian studies, said she was encouraged by the Women’s Auxiliary to see women who are NOBTS alumnae, professors’ wives, and others who come together to support future generations of women in ministry.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to the NOBTS Museum of the Bible and Archeology, which includes numerous ancient biblical artifacts. Amy Williams, director of the museum, led the tour and gave the group detailed information regarding the archeological artifacts in the collection.
“It was an unexpected, neat part of the trip,” Thomas said.
To think that the first English translation of the Bible was 500 years ago is something Thomas said she has taken for granted.
“People were persecuted and died for translating the Bible into different languages, and now we can see it on our phones,” Vige said. “How can you doubt God’s faithfulness when you see that?”
