A Key Stop on a Journey of Faith
College is a time of self-discovery, and for many students that means rebelling against the status quo. But for senior Michael Beery, it's meant obeying the call of his heart.
Michael grew up outside of West Liberty, Ohio, a mostly Mennonite community of 1,800 about an hour northwest of Columbus. He was one of only two Lutheran students in his high school. "I got used to explaining my beliefs to people from different denominations," Michael remembers.
Early Hints of a Calling
As a high school student, Michael was already involved in church matters.
The summer before his sophomore year, he was part of a group that helped to cultivate future Lutheran leaders. "This was the first time I was told that I should consider becoming a pastor," Michael recalls. "But at the time, I would not even consider that to be an option."
Later, Michael served on a team charged with finding his church a new pastor. No candidates stepped forward. "Watching my church's struggle and knowing I could help some other congregation that might be going through that same thing made me realize that God might be leading me to ordained ministry," he says.
The College Decision
Despite his religious leanings, Michael says he saw Capital's Lutheran heritage as a bonus rather than a determining factor in his college decision. His main considerations: size, location, programs offered and the amount of financial aid he would get.
In any case, when a Capital student he knew gave him an informal campus tour, Capital won out. "It felt right – like it was where I needed to be," he says.
Finding His Way
When the time came to declare a major, Michael chose business. But his spiritual convictions were deepening. "My faith guides me in everything I do, and that includes my academics and social life," he says.
Michael began spending his summers as a counselor at Camp Agape, which is sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). His first summer there, he met Wade Apel, a student at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. "Wade was always there to listen to my discernment and encouraging me to follow God's call in my life," Michael says.
At last, Michael decided to share his feelings with his parents. "I thought it would be weird for them to have a son who's a pastor," he confesses. "But when I told them, they weren't surprised."
Seeking Out Different Perspectives
At Capital, Michael has found both a dedicated Lutheran community and a student body that is spiritually diverse. Both of these things are valuable to him.
Michael serves as an usher and reader for Capital's Lutheran congregation. And he's also active in the non-denominational group Campus Crusade for Christ. "I enjoy being around people whose beliefs are not exactly like my own," he explains.
Michael also encounters diversity in his non-religious activities. As a Student Ambassador for the Admission Office, he gives campus tours to prospective students and their parents. He also helps out at admission events. But his favorite duty by far is hosting accepted students for overnight visits. "They are so excited about coming to Capital … it really takes me back," he says.
A Pivotal Year
Now in his final year at Capital, Michael is starting to plan his next move.
Michael is focusing on two schools: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, which is located in Pennsylvania.
What does Michael see himself doing once he's ordained? "I'm not sure what role I will play within the ministry," he says candidly. "The only ministry gift that I know 100 percent that I have is the ability to care for people."
At Peace
Michael's years at Capital have strengthened his resolve to pursue a life of service.
"The most important thing that Capital has done for me in regard to my vocation was having faculty and staff available to listen and guide me in my decisions," he says. "Professors and administrators genuinely cared about me and my future."