graduate spotlight: gabby brandner’s formative journey to become a children’s minister
from cincinnati, ohio, to amarillo, texas, by way of lipscomb, brandner encounters faith, growth and a nurturing community.
keely hagan | 615-966-6491 |
as she reflects on her educational journey, beginning in her freshman year, newly arrived from cincinnati, ohio, to pursue a double major, until today as she prepares to graduate this may, gabby brandner says her experience at lipscomb has been nothing short of transformative.
from the outset, her selecting lipscomb to pursue a double major, in children’s ministry and theology and ministry along with minors in missions and greek, was a deliberate choice. “i knew that because of my career path i would need to attend a christian university,” brandner said, “i sought out an intentional community that would help me grow in my faith, vocation and personal development and realized that lipscomb would help me achieve my goals.”
lipscomb is a community of fellow seekers, which made her growth inevitable, she said. “personally, i have been challenged in my beliefs and pushed to grow into a fuller version of who god created me to be. i have been seen, known and loved while at lipscomb.
“the most formative relationship that i have made during my time at lipscomb has been with dr. holly allen (former professor of christian ministries and family science),” brandner said. “i took my first class with dr. allen in my first semester of freshman year. she took the time to get to know me both professionally and personally and encouraged me in my faith. although dr. allen officially retired at the end of my sophomore year, she continued to serve as a mentor to me.”
in addition to what she has learned both in and outside of classes, brandner said she was challenged through abundant opportunities to experience her field and research relevant topics.
she said that through her connection with allen, “i have made various industry contacts, have been given the opportunity to volunteer at conferences and events, and now am planning to present alongside her at the children’s spirituality summit this may. i owe my passion for children's spirituality to her and her courses, and i contribute much of my faith development to her as well.”
for brandner, the transition after graduation to the role of children’s minister is not just a career move but a testament to divine providence and the culmination of years of preparation. she credits the support and guidance received from the lipscomb community as instrumental in helping her find not only a job, but one that is a good fit, with a sustainable position and a welcoming community.
“my professors and community at lipscomb helped me find job opportunities, discerned with me how i would fit in different churches, and celebrated with me after i accepted my new position,” she said.
yet, amidst the excitement of new beginnings, she says there lingers a bittersweet sentiment. “on the one hand, i am so excited to step into this new phase of life. i have been preparing to be a children’s minister for years and am eager to begin to apply what i have been learning. i have a passion for the spiritual formation of children and cannot wait to get to form experiences for kids to encounter god,” she said.
“on the other hand, the prospect of leaving lipscomb, with its nurturing community and steadfast support system, evokes a sense of loss,” she said. “while it will be hard to leave, i take heart in knowing that this support will not go away as i graduate. the assurance that this community will continue to be a pillar of strength, albeit in a different form, brings solace. the bonds formed here transcend physical proximity, rooted in shared experiences and unwavering support.”
as brandner prepares to bid farewell to lipscomb, the journey continues, fueled by a passion for spiritual formation and a commitment to lifelong learning. the memories created, the lessons learned and the relationships forged will serve as guiding lights for the path ahead.