Matthew, like many college students, spent much of his college career feeling unsure of what he wanted to do “when he grows up.” For Matt, vocation is all about listening to God. His participation in the Lilly Vocation Project at Calvin gave him the vocabulary and understanding to better articulate vocation. Matt also credits a strong Christian family background and the nudging by many people in his life for bringing him to the point of considering ministry for his future.

Matthew first connected to Calvin’s Lilly Vocation Grant in his sophomore year (2002-03) when he served as a Worship Apprentice (WA). As a WA, Matt worked with several areas of worship, including daily chapels and worship in the residence halls. His gifts for writing and communication were used well in this context. Following his year as a WA, Matt worked during the summer on a study guide for Isaiah 60, the focus of Calvin’s Re-gathering Convocation in February 2004. His contributions were insightful and articulate. Part of the pioneer group of apprentices, Matt and his peers helped to shape the program now in its third year.

“My year as a worship apprentice shaped my worship in understanding and in practice. It was a great balance of the theological background for worship and the practical hands-on experience of leading worship. As a theology student I've learned a great deal about God, but being a worship apprentice taught me new and wonderful ways to respond to that knowledge because all good theology should lead to doxology. Being a WA also gave me practice working with a team of people, and leading a team of my peers.”

In his junior year (2003-04), he applied and was accepted to the Jubilee Fellows program. His greatest hope in the program was for inspiration and training that would equip all the Fellows to be wise and Godly leaders in the church. “We are those who will be facing the next great challenges to the church and we need to be prepared. May we take what we learn this year and use it to strengthen the church, strengthen its members, and give glory to God.” His experience in the program helped him to see ministry as more than just a job. He was particularly grateful for a safe environment to bring up his questions and fears about ministry as well as the opportunity to put learning into practice through the church internship. It was “a challenging and stimulating experience.”

As Matt looks beyond his college career, he shares these reflections on his participation in the Lilly Vocation Project:

“My experiences have directly influenced my long-term goals. Being a worship apprentice showed me I could be a leader and gave me a mentor who has helped me in more ways than I can express. Being a Jubilee Fellow showed me ministry does not have to be scary and intimidating. And both helped me understand that I have gifts in scholarship and ministry which points me toward campus ministry on a secular campus. I plan to (eventually) continue my education so I can be a campus minister and teach a little too.”