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AU director Roberts enters seminaryBy Amanda Krudenier and a half years, but I invited back for morePlainsman Staff WriterWhy would a 37-year-old man leave the security of a job and home to enter seminary?“We never know if anything is a sure thing, my job now could fold tomorrow,” said Charles B. Roberts, director of financial aid at Auburn University. “Second, an individual needs to do those things he can be happy in, if at all possible.”Roberts will leave his job of almost nine years in August to enroll in St. Luke’s Episcopal Seminary, a division of The University of the South, in Sewanee, Tenn.Roberts views his present job as a type of ministry because he is dealing with people, and his decision to leave did not come overnight.“I’ve been working towards this end for twohad to make sure my family could make it, that we could eat and have a roof over our heads,” he said. “But, I knew I had to do it now, if I was going to, or else give it up.”There were no dramatic moments convincing Roberts of his decision, but Yather a combination of circumstances that indicated he had made the right choice.“I firmly believe the call to a full-time ministry is a call, but for me it was not a particular thing that occurred at such-an-such a moment,” he said.Because of crowded seminary conditions, people warned Roberts to give up the idea.“I realized that I was no different from the guys seated next to me at interviews, and as I wasinterviews it confirmeo my decision,” he said.“There was never any doubt in my mind that I would get in.”Roberts’ biggest frustration since making his decision is trying to generate his enthusiasm in his wife and three children.“I wish I could drill a hole in their heads and pour in the enthusiasm I feel,” said Roberts. “My wife is apprehensive about seminary and the finances, but she has no problem with the idea of being a minister’s wife.”Roberts grew up in Auburn, attending the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. He joined the Episcopal Church 12years ago, but sees himself as being very ecumenical and nondenom-inationalist.“I chose the Episcopal church because I foundthe philosophy best suited my individual beliefs,” he said. “They have a very positive approach to religion with emphasis on fulfillment and enjoyment of life.”The University of the South fits Roberts' needs because of its nearness to Auburn, its exchange program with Vanderbilt Seminary and because Sewanee is a small town and provides good conditions for a family and housing.Roberts will be studying for his Master of Theology degree, a program which features lectures in the mornings, small discussion groups in the afternoons, and evenings spent in reading and studying.After graduating Roberts hopes to stay in Alabama as a rector of a church.
Newspaper Details
Auburn Plainsman
Auburn, Alabama, US
Thu, Jun 23, 1977
Page 1
Full Page
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AL, USA 20 Apr 2023
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