DarinScott
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We had just begun praying for the Lord to lead us in a new direction. Two days later, our pastor (at Weed Berean Church in Weed, CA) pitched the CLC. I think his exact words were, "I hate to confuse you more but, here's another option." Little did he know, the answer was more clear than it had been for months. So, we packed up the truck and drove the sixteen-hundred miles to Lincoln.
Upon arrival I didn't really know what to expect. I just knew it was going to be a lot of work. I'm glad Amy at the CLC prepared me for that before we left. Throughout the tour of the CLC, I found myself becoming excited about going to school again and learning in a classroom setting. I couldn't wait to start reading the books and in many ways getting to know the Lord more thoroughly than I ever had before.
In this first semester we have covered philosophy, hermeneutics, theology, Old Testament survey, and introduction to the church along with the training and mentoring. I used to be afraid to approach some of these subjects academically because I thought they were supposed to be spiritual things. But I'm beginning to understand what it means to love the Lord with all your mind. I am more capable now of meditating on God throughout the day even while at work. The mentoring part of the program is a big help too. The one-on-one mentoring helps me to see how other godly men are applying the things I'm learning into their daily lives.
I thought the CLC was going to be a lot of work, and it is! I sometimes struggle to get all of my school work done between work and family time. But I believe the Lord is using this to teach me how to be a better leader. I have become closer to our baby through this because I cherish the time that I get to spend with her. I have also grown closer to Charlotte. Being far from home is difficult and I am grateful to be able to be with my wife so much. We both miss home quite a lot and are excited to return for Christmas and after graduation.
When people ask us what we plan on doing after school, we really don't know what to say. The Lord has only led us this far and we're trusting that He's going to lead us the rest of the way. I know that He will have me use the skills I acquire here at the CLC to serve Him more fully. I hope that as a result, I can help the church equip believers for the good work that He has prepared for them.
Darin graduated with a Certificate of Christian Leadership from the CLC in May 2008. He and his family returned to California where he is now serving his church as the Youth and College Pastor.
