Graduation Spotlight: A Conversation with Maggie Mann

Why did you choose Southeastern Seminary?

I chose to come to Southeastern because I knew it would stretch me and help form me more into the likeness of Christ. After I graduated from college, I didn’t have a clear direction in mind for where the Lord was asking me to go or what he was asking me to do. I only knew the Lord was asking me to be obedient in the next step, even if I didn’t have a clear next step in mind. I knew that serving the Lord wherever he called me would require complete surrender, whether that was staying in the States and doing ministry or going to the nations; I knew I needed an education from a place that would push me and encourage me to not grow stagnant or comfortable at the expense of obedience to my calling as a follower of Christ.

What aspects of your time at Southeastern were particularly formative or encouraging to you?

There are so many classes I could list that changed the way I thought or helped me fall more in love with the Scriptures in a new way. However, one of the most formative aspects of my time at Southeastern has been the people. I have met some of my favorite people through my two and a half years here — people who have pushed, encouraged, and loved me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. Through working in the library archives on campus I got to know and love people like Drew and Megan Dickerson who have encouraged me and pointed me towards Christ in both my academic and personal life. Megan has modeled true discipleship for me in such an impactful way. She has invited me to walk alongside her as she lives life with her family and leads in different avenues on campus. The people at Southeastern, like Megan, have surrounded me with prayer, encouragement, and accountability as I walk in obedience to the Lord. This is also seen in Southeastern’s emphasis on the local church body. My academic education was heavily influenced and enhanced by the people of God who walked alongside me, modeling what it looks like to run after God with all you have.

How did your education at Southeastern shape your view of the Great Commission?

The emphasis on the Great Commission at Southeastern was one of the driving factors for why I chose to get my master’s here. Every class was drenched in the need for us to go. I think the one thing that shaped my view of the Great Commission the most was the semester I spent with Dr. Daub, taking her class on contextualization in women’s ministry and also going to Brazil with her on a mission trip. That semester not only helped me understand the weight of the Great Commission task but also how it is not just a task given to the Western Church. I was able to see how the global Church is working right alongside us to fulfill the Great Commission. Through experiences like my time in Brazil, I have learned to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world in a whole new way. The Great Commission is not just a call to go to the ends of earth; it should also be a heart posture that you carry with you into every interaction here in the States and anywhere the Lord takes you.

The Great Commission is not just a call to go to the ends of earth; it should also be a heart posture that you carry with you into every interaction here in the States and anywhere the Lord takes you.

Which classes, professors, or memories stand out from your time here?

I have so many memories from my time here at Southeastern that I could highlight, from learning about Baptist distinctives with Dr. Aucoin to hearing a detailed description from Dr. Quarles about all that crucifixion entailed in the New Testament times. However, the professor who stands out to me the most is Dr. Strickland, not just because his classes were engaging or challenging but because of the pastoral care that he showed for his students. Dr. Strickland served as both my professor and one of the elders at my church, and he was a blessing to me both academically and personally during my time in seminary. I was going through a really difficult season with my family in my first semester of theology with Dr. Strickland, and the way he encouraged me to finish well in my semester but not neglect my whole person — that was unique to any academic experience I’ve had. I was so encouraged in both my academic and personal pursuits as I sat under trusted teaching, knowing that my professor was also praying for me. That is just one example in my own life of how well the professors at Southeastern love the whole person, not just the student.

How have you seen theological education go hand in hand with ministry preparation during your time as a student?

My time at Southeastern has equipped me with so many invaluable tools for both theological thinking and practically applying what I have learned. As I have started serving in a ministry position at my church, I have realized that I now have a foundation of knowledge that helps me to search the Scriptures and think deeply for myself in a new way. Moreover, I can then take what I find and turn it into a contextualized, practical application wherever the Lord asks me to serve.

My time at Southeastern has equipped me with so many invaluable tools for both theological thinking and practically applying what I have learned.

What are your plans now following graduation, and how do you hope to use your degree?

For the next year-and-a-half, I will be working at Imago Dei Church here in Raleigh as a college ministry intern and serving in the women’s ministry. I have already seen how my degree has helped me counsel our girls with biblical wisdom, and I pray that I will continue to to use the biblical truth and wisdom I learned during my time at Southeastern to ground all that I do moving forward.

How can your Southeastern family be praying for you?

I would love it if you could pray for me as I consider what the Lord is asking me to do in the future. Pray that I would serve obediently, faithfully, and humbly wherever the Lord asks me to go and in whatever he has me do. Pray that I would not shy away from boldly proclaiming the gospel in all that I do.