Six years after becoming a Christian, Rich Shadden will become licensed to the gospel ministry and dedicate the rest of his life to pastoral ministry on Sunday, September 24 at First Baptist Church in Martin.

Shadden, who is a senior at UTM and an expected 2007 English graduate, will present to his congregation a sermon, insight on the direction God is leading him, and his personal testimony of salvation and call to ministry.

“Everyone has their purpose and place,” said Shadden. “My purpose is to serve God as a pastor. I wouldn’t be at peace doing anything else.”

Following his licensing, Tennessee state law will permit Shadden to conduct marriage ceremonies, funerals and counseling services. Shadden became a Christian in 2001 at the age of 16. However, it was not until he was 18 that he felt led to the ministry and it was not until he was 19 that he professed his calling publicly.

During Shadden’s collegiate career, he has been actively involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Greek Bible Study. In addition to Shadden’s involvements on campus, he has attended the First Baptist Church of Martin his entire life. In fact, he accredits the church with powerfully impacting him and the UTM campus.

“Countless members of First Baptist Church have played significant parts in my development and have taught me what the role of ministry is in my life,” said Shadden. “They have licensed at least 15 men in my time and they are consistently involved in student life at UTM.”

After graduation, Shadden plans on attending a seminary school in the Southeast and mastering in Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry.

Following Shadden’s licensing service on Sept. 24, Jason Adkins, a recent graduate and current employee at UTM, will become licensed at the First Baptist Church of Martin on October 1 of this year.
Jesse Moss, who is also a recent graduate, has already received his license and is currently attending Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

Both Adkins and Shadden are considering attending the same university in the near future.