Graduate Spotlight: A Conversation with Jessie Chilson

Why did you choose Southeastern Seminary?

I chose and continue to choose Southeastern Seminary for its location and beauty. Many years ago when I came for a campus tour, though it was in the dead of winter, it was warm and inviting and felt like home. I continue to feel that every time I step on campus. This is home.

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

Southeastern has shown me what it means to persevere in what God lays on your heart. I have been constantly reminded that nothing is more important than my personal walk with the Lord. In each season and class, I have been reminded repeatedly that academic study is critical and a personal walk with Jesus is non-negotiable for our journey in this life.

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

While this may sound elementary and even a bit silly, Southeastern has shown me that the Great Commission is not just something for a missionary in a third-world country. The Great Commission is for me at the grocery store, in my job, at my church, and in my home. My time at Southeastern has shown me that the Great Commission is the lifestyle the Lord has called me to live.

My time at Southeastern has shown me that the Great Commission is the lifestyle the Lord has called me to live.

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

Oh, this one is hard. I came to Southeastern as a newly married young woman; I graduate as a proud mom of four truly amazing young adults. The memories are like a flood of sweet emotions. God showed me what it means to be a wife and mother, to be a sister in Christ, and most importantly to dwell with him. The fellowship and spirit of “living life together” that we experienced in the many years we lived in campus housing have shaped who I am and left me longing for heaven. From Dr. Liederbach’s classes on marriage and family to Dr. Struecker’s leadership classes, or the plethora of counseling classes and the personal evangelism classes, there is not an aspect of my life that has not been impacted by my time at Southeastern.

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

Theological education has gone hand and hand with my ministry preparation as I, on multiple occasions, chose to write papers and do research on life topics that I was currently living and facing. My education at Southeastern has given me a guide to walk through hard conversations and understand why I believe what I believe; it has furthered my ability to give a defense for the hope that is in me. Honestly, it is so ingrained in my life that I can’t see my life without the theological education that I have received.

My education at Southeastern has given me a guide to walk through hard conversations and understand why I believe what I believe; it has furthered my ability to give a defense for the hope that is in me.

Where are you currently serving, and how are you using your Southeastern education?

I have the honor and privilege of serving through the Baptist Children’s Homes of NC. I desire to love, lead, and serve like Jesus, and Southeastern has allowed me to take a deep dive in studying God’s word to discover how that looks in this world.

How can your Southeastern family be praying for you?

Please pray that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart would be acceptable to the Lord, that I would be quick to give a defense for the hope that is in me, and that I would love all people well.