Even before I arrived as a student in 2008, the Seminary already had a special place in my heart as my father graduated from NTS in the 1990s. I count the four years I spent completing my MDiv degree as one of the most theologically and spiritually rich periods of my life. I not only relished the academic training I was provided but also benefited from the spiritual guidance of NTS’s faculty and staff. After graduating in 2011, I had the opportunity to serve as an associate pastor in Harrisonville, MO before my wife Lisa (also an NTS graduate – MDiv, 2010) and I were called to be Co-Lead Pastors in Kansas City, MO. The Seminary continues to play an important role in our lives, honing our ministerial skills through conferences and workshops and even helping us in our weekly sermon preparation through the online resources they offer.
Serving on the Alumni Council for the past three years has been a privilege as I have been able to see how NTS continues to adapt to the changing world of theological education in strategic and forward-looking ways. Under the leadership of our current President Jeren Rowell and Dean Josh Sweeden, NTS is stewarding your gifts with integrity and wisdom. In case you didn’t know, we have a new format for our lifelong learning video platform and invite you to consider becoming a subscriber (https://www.nts.edu/center-for-pastoral-leadership/). We trust you will find these resources meaningful and relevant.
Thanks again for your generosity. Know that your prayers and support makes a difference in the lives of future NTS Alumni but is already making a difference in the lives of many current Alumni as well.
In Christ,
Samuel Aparicio
Class of 2011
Co-Lead Pastor
New Hope Church of the Nazarene
