Thank You

To the Members and Board of Christian Life Church, 

This letter is to inform you that I have completed the coursework required and have earned the degree of Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

This degree is a misnomer for I in no way consider myself to have mastered the scriptures and have found that the more I learn, the less I know. 

However, through this educational process I can say with confidence that I am now better equipped to serve our flock in “oversight (1 Pet. 5:1)”, “teaching and exhortation (1 Tim. 4:13)” and “rightly handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)” in order that we stay on the “path that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).”

Continuing my education in this way would not have been possible without the support; financial and other, of our church members and the Timothy Scholarship. 

For this, I am incredibly grateful and pray that your investment into me and my ministry bears much fruit in the life of our congregation for decades to come as we seek together to follow Jesus in worship, discipleship, and evangelism. 

Until He Comes,

Joshua Reese

PS. While seminaries are helpful tools for the pastorate, it should always be emphasized that local churches, not seminaries, make pastors.