ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅

GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — Feb. 3, 2014 — A ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University student recently accepted a calling to a new ministry – as well as a new career.

A Master of Christian Studies student at ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University Germantown, Buffy Cook was ordained as a pastor Jan. 19. But when he felt God moving his life toward a new ministry several years ago, becoming a bi-vocational pastor was the last thing on Cook’s mind.

β€œI knew God wanted me to do something deeper,” said Cook, who had served as a youth pastor in 2006. β€œI was just waiting to see which direction he wanted me to take.”

Cook juggled his youth ministry responsibilities between working full time as a board-certified family physician and raising four children with his wife, Vicky. After sensing a need for a more formal theological education, he also began pursuing his master’s degree at ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ in 2012.

Ken Easley, professor of biblical studies, said Cook flourished in his classes, as he exhibited a passion for Christ and God’s Word. Although Cook never imagined God would lead him to shepherd a church, he began to sense a need to preach in January 2013.

Resigning from his position as youth pastor in February, Cook began serving as a supply preacher at local churches, where he filled in for pastors when they were unable to preach. By November, Cook was offered a full-time job as the pastor of Crossway Baptist Church in Brighton, Tenn. – a position he said he accepted only after many prayers and godly council.

Currently balancing two jobs with classes, Cook hopes to graduate from ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ in 2015. Until then, he said he is not only gaining a deeper understanding of God but also learning how to better prepare sermons for his congregation.

β€œBecoming a pastor excites me and terrifies me at the same moment,” Cook said. β€œWhile it is a great privilege, it is also a huge responsibility, as I know I will be held to a stricter accountability than other people. But it excites me to lead a group of people to be more mature in their faith, to grow a church and to lead people to God’s kingdom.”