Alumni Highlight: Shanon Thomas
Shanon Thomas graduated from Criswell College with a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership in 2007 and returned to the school to earn a second Masters in Counseling, which was completed in 2018. His studies at Criswell prepared him to better serve his community and those he leads in ministry. Shanon felt called to ministry when he was 19 years old, and a former pastor who was a Criswell graduate encouraged him to apply to the college.
Shanon’s favorite memory at Criswell was studying and attending classes with his counseling cohort. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, and it helped him develop the skills needed to address the personal challenges faced by members of his ministry. The education he received at Criswell has had a significant impact on his life and ministry. It has equipped him to better serve his community and has given him the tools necessary to address the challenges faced by those he leads.
For anyone considering a career in ministry, Shanon’s advice would be to develop a strong sense of self-efficacy and pursue areas of interest in ministry. While classes will provide a strong foundation, what you do outside of classwork to prepare is equally important. Take the time to build meaningful relationships, seek out opportunities for ministry, and be open to learning from others. A career in ministry is both challenging and rewarding, and with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a deeply fulfilling and impactful vocation.
