Students Chosen to Preach the Word

Finally it’s his turn. Prepared but a little nervous he walks to the podium, bible in one hand and notes in the other, ready to speak.
An array of faces of all shades, people of all ages and various nationalities wait attentively to hear the morning message, waiting to receive spiritual renewal.
Monday is a different story for Chanza Brown, a senior mass communications major from Greensburg. He no longer has to worry about giving his message, but now tests and classes are his top priorities.
There is something different about this minister… Brown represents a select group of student ministers at Southern University, many of which recognized their calling to preach the Gospel at an early age.
“I preached my first sermon at the age of 16, at my home church Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greensburg,” said Brown, an ordained minister.
When much is given, often much is required. No doubt there is a considerable amount of work involved in the ministry, while attempting to juggle many demands that come with being a student and working to serve God.
“Dealing with school and my ministry, I have a certain type of relationship with Jesus. He understands that my education is important to me. He gives me the essential tools that are needed to balance them both. My ministry is most important,” said Brown.
Ministers attending Southern are going beyond what is necessary to fulfill their ministry of proclaiming the gospel, not just in church but in their everyday life.
“I feel as if my day isn’t complete unless I tell someone about Christ and the many blessing He has in store for their lives,” said Minister Reginald Smith, a senior therapeutic recreation major from White Castle.
With the blessings and fruitfulness God grants to student ministers, they also encounter dark and cloudy days and have often been critically observed in living daily life.
“Many times people have acted differently towards me or have asked me why do I dedicate so much time to the study of God’s word. I have also had friends who I thought would respect me preaching turn their backs on me,” said Smith.
Besides facing the unpredictable curves life offers, student ministers are confident that after this life they have a place in heaven and there they will be in perfect peace.
“The Lord alleviates my problems! It is like He is always making my pathways in life a little easier than if I wasn’t a follower of Him. When I leave this world I know I have a place in heaven,” said Brown.
One of the most important aspects of Jesus’ ministry was His action of assigning ministers to go into the world and preach the Gospel. Student ministers are doing just that through hard work, undying devotion and daily walks with the Lord.