Dylan Haro
Master of Divinity
My journey to Bethany Theological Seminary began in the summer of 2004 with eight other high school students. We attended a conference entitled "Exploring Your Call." It was during that conference that I first seriously considered ministry as a vocation. During that experience I learned that ministry doesn't necessarily mean Sunday morning behind a pulpit. I also felt a deep connection to the denomination through the friends I made--both peers and leaders.
The youth group in my local church in San Diego, California, included just my sister, Chelsea, and I, so we were grateful for the regional opportunities like attending Camp La Verne and the Pacific Southwest District events. Wanting to stay connected to the Brethren community, I chose to pursue higher education at the University of La Verne [1]. I became an active member at the La Verne Church of the Brethren where I made many great friends, worked with the youth program, and sought mentorship from associate pastor Janet Ober.
It was a summer that sparked the idea, and surely, with divine intervention, it was a summer that sealed the deal. In 2008, I was awarded an Undergraduate Fellowship with the Fund for Theological Education [2]. The same summer I participated with Ministry Summer service - a summer internship at Palmyra (PA) Church of the Brethren. With the extra scholarship money I attended a Bethany Campus Visit Day [3]. Following that summer of being immersed in the Church of the Brethren and beyond, I began to process licensing to the ministry. With lots of discernment, I decided attending Bethany would most benefit me vocationally and spiritually beyond any alternative. I know I will find the community I am seeking, gain the skills and wisdom I need for fulfilling my call into ministry, and enjoy loads of fun in the process.