Graduate Profile: Jordan Napier, MTS

As for God, his way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Psalms 18:30

I started at Reformed Baptist Seminary in 2018. Almost all of my life I would say that I believed God's Word is true, but over the last four years, he has called me to rely entirely on Him. My college and seminary journey has better equipped me to see God clearly so that I can place my hope and trust in Him daily (often imperfectly).

I grew up in Owosso, Michigan, and had the blessing of parents who desired to offer me the benefits of a childhood grounded in truth. A Christian upbringing was a privilege they had not received. Their commitment to Christ and the local church taught me the value of Christian community and the ministry of the Word. Since the age of 17, I have desired Pastoral Ministry. God used this desire to knit my heart to the one my soul loves, Marissa. We shared a passion for ministry and a love for Christ. God has since granted us the privilege of having two children with one on the way. My family and our conversations at home have been a means of God teaching and sanctifying me in many ways that I had never foreseen.

Since 2012, there has been no shortage of mentors who set aside time to ground me in truth. From local church classes to late-night prayer meetings, God was doing a work in my heart that he has sustained daily. I went to college for my undergrad at The Master's University in Santa Clarita, California. It was there that God really fueled my appetite for a more in-depth study into His Word. I found myself craving a more in-depth knowledge of God. There were many challenges as it related to even paying for an education and having time to be involved in my local church. God had given me a desire to continue learning in whatever the context.

Through a couple of my brothers, I learned of Reformed Baptist Seminary, and I rejoiced at the opportunity to gain a rigorous theological education from men who were currently ministering. I had always balked at the idea of learning from men that had never truly shepherded souls. I was excited to have the opportunity to learn from faithful shepherds. To make the situation more impressive, I could learn at a fraction of a typical degree's cost. The fact that I could pursue this education while remaining in my local church and not accruing debt was a gift of God.

I began by looking into their Exegetical Theology emphasis at Reformed Baptist Seminary. I was encouraged with the idea of being able to gain a better grasp of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. I began to see more than ever some of the challenges to accurate interpretation and why it is so important. I could see Christ clearer from both the Old and New Testament as a result of these courses. God once again used this time to fuel my passion for knowing Him. My educational journey does not end here. I will continue my studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where I will be pursuing my M.Div. I will be focusing my efforts on counseling and the public ministry of the Word. I am one of the Pastors at Redeemer Fellowship in Eugene and am blessed to serve among faithful men and women.

I want to thank my brothers in Christ, Jeremiah Napier, John VonDoloski, Jerry Garrison, Dan Glockle, Josh Levesque, and Jason Georges. I don't think I can number the hours I have spent learning from each of you. This learning has come through conversations, sermons, lectures, and simply observing your manner of life. I am thankful for your fellowship in the ministry. I find myself often reflecting on our conversations and the things you have ingrained in me over the years. Thank you for being an example I could follow as each of you has followed Christ. I also want to thank all the pastors and professors who have had helped through their lecturing and writing related to RBS coursework: Dr. Robert Gonzales, Pastor Greg Nichols, Pastor Mark Chanski, Pastor John Reuther, and Pastor Jeff Johnson.

Jordan Napier