As an alumna of Criswell College, Kiley Parish graduated in May 2020 with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. When asked about her call to ministry, Kiley shared that she did not feel a specific call to ministry or social work, but rather a desire to love God and love others by helping to alleviate suffering. Through her time at Criswell, she discovered a passion for helping meet people’s tangible needs, such as housing, clothing, food, and other vital resources, which eventually led her to social work. She started out serving young mothers who had previously been incarcerated and their children, then young women who have aged out of the foster care system, and now serves as the director of His House, a program for young men aging out of the foster care system. Kiley’s approach to ministry has been one of following unexpected opportunities to help those in need and being consistently faithful to her core desire of loving God and loving others.
Kiley first heard about Criswell through a recruiter named Hayden Moore, who convinced her to come tour the campus. Once she set foot on campus, she began to feel like Criswell could be her home for the next four years, and it was. When asked about her favorite memory at Criswell, Kiley could not choose just one, but she emphasized that all her favorite memories centered around the people of Criswell. She expressed gratitude for the support system she found in the staff, students, and professors of Criswell, and specifically mentioned Dr. Hunter, Dr. Seitzler, and Dr. Creamer as professors who made a meaningful impact on her. She mentioned Dr. Hunter’s encouragement and pride in her, Dr. Seitzler’s congratulatory call after her graduation during the pandemic, and Dr. Creamer’s willingness to listen, encourage, and pray for her during a time of doubt. These experiences have stayed with her and influenced her approach to her own work, as she strives to listen, encourage, and pray for those she serves.
Kiley credits her Criswell education with impacting her life, ministry, and career in significant ways. She mentioned the Integration to Theology and Psychology class, which helped her combine her knowledge from Criswell into a theory that could be put into practice even before graduation. She also appreciated Criswell’s emphasis on service, both in the local church and in various outreach opportunities during her time as a student. She mentioned how Criswell graduates are sent out to serve in diverse areas of life, and how Criswell alumni have supported her ministry through prayer, financial support, and practical assistance. The emphasis on service and support from Criswell has influenced her own approach to ministry, where she seeks to create a sense of community and support for those she serves.
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