Nathan Ramer's story

My journey to AMBS wasn’t initiated by a single dramatic event of clear revelation. As much as I may have longed for it, no voice came down from the heaven and I never received an e-mail from God with my life itinerary attached. Rather the path that brought me to seminary has emerged gradually from the interwoven threads of life. My story is not extraordinary, but it is still remarkable to me the ways God has acted to redeem me by giving my life a purpose and mission.

Although growing up I had often heard affirmation from adults in the congregation that I should consider pastoral ministry, in my teenage cynicism I never trusted that encouragement. High school at times was rough as I battled depression and most of my faith centered on negative thoughts. I was convinced that if people really knew me then they would hesitate to encourage me towards ministry.

After high school I left home for Hesston College. The college environment opened up my world and I began to feel more free and comfortable in my own skin. I was excited about education and how that intersected with my faith, and so this was the first time I seriously considered seminary as a realistic possibility.
A year working for Mennonite Voluntary Service through a program at the Kansas state penitentiary named “Arts in Prison” further fueled my passion for helping people reflect spiritually.

While completing my undergraduate degree at Goshen College I participated in the Ministry Inquiry Program at Shore Mennonite Church. During this time, I began to finally embrace God’s desire to use my life by recognizing that my own story of brokenness and healing had provided me with something I could offer to others.

These experiences helped me discern that attending seminary was the right course for me. Although I felt like I had this passion and calling within me, I didn’t know what to do with it and didn’t have the skills to express it. That is what I came to AMBS to change. I considered the wide range and variety of options but in the end I wanted an institution that embodied Mennonite values of community, discipleship and servant leadership.

I wanted a school that wouldn’t just provide academic information but that practices Christian values throughout the various levels of its institutional structure. This is why my wife and I appreciate things like the community garden that provides good evening fellowship in addition to the food that supplies the students and cafeteria.

I am grateful that God led me to AMBS. Although I had never thought I had anything to offer in ministry, I see now God is producing fruit in my life and can use me as a blessing to others. There may not have been a spectacular moment of calling that burst into my life, but God has been faithful and walked with me to this place where I have grown and experienced so much.

Nathan Ramer is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in pastoral care and counseling. He and Erin, his wife, live on the AMBS campus. Nathan is a 2008 graduate of Goshen College, Goshen, Ind.