05/23/2026
This week we are celebrating our CBFVA seminary graduates. Dorian Medeiros is a graduate of , and has this to share:
What first led you to seminary?ďż˝
What first led me to seminary was a transition in my role at church. My title changed from Children’s Director over the weekday school to Children’s Pastor, which also included leadership of the children’s ministry. As that shift happened, I felt a need to grow deeper in my understanding of ministry, theology, and pastoral care. I originally requested to attend seminary and planned to complete only a three course certificate. What began as a small educational step unexpectedly became a journey toward completing my master’s degree.
What is one lesson or experience from seminary that will stay with you?ďż˝
The realization that we are all still learning. Ministry is not about having all the answers or presenting ourselves as people who have figured everything out. In fact, trying to have all the answers can limit our sense of wonder about God. Seminary taught me that faith often grows most deeply through curiosity, humility, and conversation. That experience reminded me that God is far bigger than our understanding and that there is beauty in continuing to learn throughout our lives and ministries.
Where do you sense God leading you next?ďż˝
I sense God leading me toward providing deeper pastoral care, regardless of the context in which that happens. Throughout seminary, I have become increasingly aware of how much people long to feel seen, heard, and cared for in authentic ways. Whether in ministry with children, families, students, or adults, I feel drawn toward walking alongside people during moments of grief, uncertainty, healing, and growth. I do not know exactly what that will look like in the future, but I do know that God continues to call me toward compassion, presence, and listening. More than anything, I hope to be someone who reflects the love of Christ by creating spaces where people know they are valued, supported, and deeply loved by God.�What snack fueled you through late night studying?�White cheddar popcorn will always be my guilty pleasure but in the last month of capstone rewrites, a deeper appreciation for blue sweet tarts came into being. But, they must be the blue!
Take a moment to celebrate Dorian below!
