My name is Mark Olayo, and I’m a MTS student. In 2018, I was working with a construction company, but my heart was to pursue a seminary education and full-time ministry. Each morning as I drove to work, I listened to Wisdom for the Heart. One day after the message, Scott Wylie mentioned that Stephen Davey was the President of Shepherds Theological Seminary. Immediately, I pulled my car off to the side of the road and wrote down Shepherds Theological Seminary. That evening at home, I looked it up and was delighted to see the same dedication to God’s Word that marked Wisdom for the Heart. Their commitment went as far as designing a study visit to Israel that would steep learners in the cradle of the Bible! I was also relieved to discover that I would not have to relocate my family to Cary to pursue my theological training; I could study online! Further, the seminary would accord me the opportunity to pace my learning in a way that was affordable for my family. The possibility of later qualifying for one of several scholarships gave me confidence to proceed.
My application was successful, and I enrolled in the Fall of 2019. I am enjoying several things about Shepherds, but above all that the faculty have a heart for discipleship. My professors not only guide me through the text of Scripture, but have on many occasions helped me navigate issues of daily life and ministry. The whole team of faculty and staff are readily available by phone or email to assist when I have questions about my education, responding promptly. They’ve also directed me to excellent research materials, challenging me to grow in the quality of my schoolwork, not merely for the sake of head knowledge but for the love of knowing and teaching God’s Word.
Shepherds Seminary has not only been a blessing to me, but to my family and church also. On different occasions, timely scholarships have enabled me to continue with my training; this excellent training has equipped me to better teach the youth at my church to study the Scriptures that equip for life and godliness. As a husband, father, and youth pastor, I say thank you to Shepherds Theological Seminary!
