By Kalith Smith
Growing up in the Christian Church, I loved so much about my experience. My first Minister was Ken Broad who is still my image of an ideal minister. He was well read, preached a strong sermon and more than anything I remember, was the first one there when anything went wrong in the family. If someone passed, he was there as quickly as he could be. He did not stay long, but he let you know how much he cared for and then prayed with the family before he left. His wife Shirley was often with him on these visits. He also kept a calendar where he would stop by houses regularly, again not for a long visit, but for a bit. In my memory he is a giant in faith and led the Elders and the Deacons to build a caring, supportive church that preached the truth in love.
In 2022, I attended the candlelight Christmas Eve service in Portales and Ken and Shirley were there. When I told Ken that I had moved to Central Illinois, he let me know that he had attended Lincoln Christian College. From there he went forth to meet a young kid in Eastern New Mexico, made an incredible impression and carried the faith forward there for three decades. As the news came that Lincoln would be closing, I was left to ask, “What would happen if Lincoln had not existed? What if the dream for the College never came to pass and the training that was crucial to Ken’s training hadn’t taken place? It is a different world for me and my family.
As Lincoln announced its closing, we all had a moment of sadness, but the closing was not the end of God’s story in Lincoln! Due to the diligence of the leadership team, the Seminary was able to move to Ozark with the endowment and accreditation preserved (I work in higher education and can tell you that is not something that can normally happen). We all thought that was all she wrote, but as usual, God was not done yet.
In the fall of 2024, I found out about the work of the Lincoln Christian Institute. This was always part of Lincoln, but I was not aware of the program. So, years after making a commitment to full time Christian ministry at CIY in Gunnison, God opened a window. I called Silas McCormick who explained the Institute’s mission and how the Institute is designed to prepare people to lead in the churches at a low cost to the participants and a format that is flexible. This is particularly designed for those who cannot go to one of our other colleges. That was exactly right for me. I signed up and thoroughly enjoyed the first class, on the Life of Christ. I have studied church history extensively, but there were new insights to be found. This month I start a class on Acts, the foundation of the New Testament Churches. I look forward to this class as well. This is part of two certificates offered by Lincoln. The one I am taking is in Bible and Theology. For me, ensuring I have a solid grounding in the bible and in Restoration theology is important. I believe for anyone considering serving as a Deacon or an Elder who has not attended Christian college, this will be useful. The second certificate, which I will consider once I finish the first is in Christian Ministry.
I want to speak to those, like me, who once upon a time made a commitment to serve. I thought that chapter had closed. My commitment that summer circa 1993 in a gym at Western Colorado State may not have panned out how I expected, but I think that through the working of the Spirit, the love of the Son, and the guidance of the Father it is still something I’m called to do. Now I have a path. Call it a delayed calling, but I hope to use my retirement (albeit 14 years away) in service. Now is the time to get ready so I can be who God needs me to be when that time comes. The harvest is still plentiful and there are still more workers needed. If you feel so called, check out the possibilities and programs that are available through Lincoln Christian Institute.
Dr. Kalith Smith lives in Springfield, Illinois with his wife, Abie, and two teenagers. His career in education spans 26 years in private and public institutions.
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