This is my first time blogging on the CBF website, so I thought it would be appropriate to tell you a little bit about myself.

My name is Kate Murphy and I just finished my first year at Central Baptist Theological Seminary.  I’m a member of a CBF church, and am also a Leadership Scholar.  Leadership scholars are students who attend CBF-affilated schools with the intent of engaging in ministry in a CBF organization/church.  I receive a scholarship from the CBF, as well as get to attend the National General Assembly.

My call to ministry has been somewhat of a long and twisted path.  I probably first felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit after going on a mission trip to the country of Belarus when I was a youth in 2001.  The call presented itself in various forms throughout high school and college:  in leading bible studies, in my internship through Refuge of Nations, my job with student activities at my college, and through conversations with peers, students, and professors.  Although some of my peers did not agree with women being in pastoral positions, we still had rich fellowship and dialouge.

I’m still discerning my call, but I think God is leading me to be a pastor/associate pastor.  Seminary has allowed me to puruse my call freely, as well as learn from people with different backgrounds.  My church, First Baptist of Jefferson City, has been supportive of me throughout the years in my calling.

Outside of church and seminary, I enjoy spending time with my fiance (hence, my last name will be “Hanch” after August), spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, reading, and learning about different cultures.

My purpose in writing this blog is to chronicle my experiences in seminary, calling, and church-related matters.  I also want to discuss issues and problems that the church deals with or needs to discuss.