Class of 2018 profiles: David Frost hears a strong call to ministry

  1. Class of 2018 profiles: Rosy Robson prepares for what comes next
  2. Class of 2018 profiles: Pamela Fusting will close no door
  3. Class of 2018 profiles: Christopher Manunyo-Nyonyoh prepared to make a difference in Ghana
  4. Class of 2018 profiles: Sara Pantazes can’t wait to dive in
  5. Class of 2018 profiles: Bruce McVey faces down challenges to reach the pulpit
  6. Class of 2018 profiles: Crystal Harper Fallesen doesn’t let life get in the way
  7. Class of 2018 profiles: David Frost hears a strong call to ministry

BY JEFF STAPLETON

More than 10 years ago, David Frost moved to the Richmond area to escape the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. What he didn’t realize was that when he moved to the slower pace of the Richmond area, God’s call became louder. By the time he got his associate degree from John Tyler Community College and was ready to take classes at Virginia Commonwealth University, he was hearing a strong call to ministry.

While at VCU, Frost majored in psychology and minored in religious studies. While taking classes for his minor, he had professor Mark Boswell — a Union alumnus. “He was able to have some conversations with me and talked to me about his experiences,” Frost said. “Through that conversation and talking to my pastor and my wife, we discerned that I was being called to seminary.” After visiting the campus and attending Seminary For A Day, a one-day introduction to seminary education at Union, Frost signed up for classes.

The Master of Divinity graduate has always been drawn to preaching, though he has, in the past, been terrified of public speaking. He said his call became clarified when his church asked him to be a worship leader. “That gave me a chance to speak in public but also to write liturgy and prayers and engage in the work of the Kingdom that way.”

David Frost with some of his fellow graduates. Top row, from left, Frost, Joshua Lewis, Russ Kerr. Bottom row, from left, Christopher Manunyo-Nyonyoh, Kristin Wickersham, Kwangsik Im, Bruce McVey, Alex Fischer, Jean Chung.

One of the best experiences he had at Union was engaging in theological conversation with people that share a diverse range of theological understandings and backgrounds. “I think it’s a good reflection of the Kingdom of God and it also is a good chance to test and refine our own ways of thinking.” Frost said all the professors are excellent. “You can tell they truly value what they’re doing in their own ministries and the amount of preparation that they invest in lectures and section discussions is evident.”

As for the next step, Frost is currently open to whatever God’s plan is. He’s looking for a head of staff position, one where preaching is part of his responsibilities.

He advises those thinking about entering seminary to remain curious. “Be curious about other’s experiences and other’s beliefs. Be curious about their stories and what brought them to, not just seminary but, who they are as a person. Be curious about the Bible. The way I read the Bible now is so much richer and deeper than it was when I entered seminary. Be curious about the knowledge that your professors and your fellow classmates have and bring to the table.”