Bea Garner graduated from Criswell College in 2012 with a major in Counseling. Prior to attending Criswell, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Houston Baptist University, where she trained as a classical singer. While there, she discovered her passion for singing sacred music, which she believes ministers to people’s hearts. After graduating, she felt a strong desire to attend seminary to further her education, but it wasn’t until later, after receiving counseling and volunteering with the Christian counseling ministry, Hope for the Heart, that she felt called to be a counselor.
Bea heard about Criswell College while listening to a radio spot on KCBI. Despite feeling unsure about her financial situation, she attended Preview Day and felt a strong connection to the school. She prayed to God for a full scholarship, which she was later granted, covering tuition and books.
One of her favorite memories at Criswell was her experience in Dr. Joel Wilson’s Spiritual Foundations class, which made a deep impact on her early on. Her Criswell education provided her with a biblical foundation, influencing her Christian worldview, and shaping her life and ministry.
For those considering going into ministry, Bea advises prayer and discernment to determine if it is God’s calling. She encourages them to seek out a solid biblical counselor and examine their motives for wanting to serve in ministry. She stresses the importance of dealing with personal pain and seeking God’s healing, so that one’s personal pain does not hurt others. Ministry is about serving others, and one must be fully equipped to do so.
Overall, Bea’s experience at Criswell College helped her gain a strong foundation in biblical truth and prepared her to become a counselor, equipping her to serve others in a meaningful way.
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