06/05/2026
As summer begins for so many, we continue to celebrate graduates across CBFVA. Here are some reflections from Sarah Kokkiligadda upon her graduation from
1. What first led you to seminary?
For almost two decades, both in India and after moving to the United States, I have been actively involved in various church ministries, including children’s, youth, women’s, older adult, and ESL ministries, often serving in leadership and educational roles. Through these experiences, I sensed God’s call to deepen my theological understanding and strengthen my ministry skills. Pursuing theological education seemed like natural next step in preparing myself to serve more effectively and faithfully.
Although I have sensed this vocational call for many years, the responsibilities of raising and nurturing my children along with other family and professional commitments, delayed my ability to pursue seminary education. When the opportunity arose, I recognized it as God’s timing and felt compelled to answer that call and begin my seminary journey.
2. What is one lesson or experience from seminary that will stay with you?
One experience from seminary that will stay with me is the opportunity to learn and grow alongside people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and life experiences. Seminary has been a transformative journey, enriched by professors whose scholarship, wisdom, and ministry experience have deeply shaped my formation.
A particular memorable experience was participating in a one-week Summer Art and Bible Camp for Children at our Charlotte campus, led by Dr. Rebecca Davis. Traveling to Charlotte allowed me to meet classmates and faculty at Charlotte whom I had previously known only through online classes. Working with children from diverse backgrounds, creating art projects, and teaching biblical truths through creative, hands-on activities was both inspiring and rewarding. As a Christian educator, designing and leading a camp like this demonstrated how theology comes alive through creativity, relationships, and experiential learning. It reinforced my calling
to nurture faith in children and showed me how meaningful learning experiences can help young people encounter God in tangible ways. This experience is one I will always cherish and carry with me in ministry.
3. What is one piece of encouragement you would offer to someone discerning a call to ministry?
If God has placed a calling on your heart and is nudging you to respond, you will often sense it deep within. You may not be able to answer that call immediately because of life's responsibilities, and that is okay. But trust that if God has called you, God will not abandon you. God’s presence and guidance remain with you throughout the journey.
Even as you attend to your daily responsibilities, keep your heart and mind open and tuned to hearing God’s gentle voice. Continue to listen, pray, and discern God’s leading. When the time comes and you feel ready to take that step, do not hesitate to say yes. God will guide your path and provide the wisdom, strength, knowledge, and grace you need to pursue God’s calling and serve God faithfully.
Congratulate and encourage Sarah in the comments below!
