Pete Pavlik, a B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary graduate, found his path to theological education through a unique blend of necessity and God’s perfect timing. As a church planter at Cowboy Fellowship, he was initially enrolled in another seminary but faced a significant hurdle: a requirement to attend in-person classes on campus.
With a busy ministry and a growing church, it became clear that fulfilling this requirement wasn’t feasible. Determined to continue his theological education, Pete turned to B. H. Carroll where he discovered a fully online program that perfectly suited his needs.
“I finished out my Master’s of Divinity with Carroll. And it was, just an absolutely fabulous experience the whole way through,” Pete recalls.
A Unique Calling to a Unique Ministry
Cowboy churches, like Cowboy Fellowship, are a special breed. They share many of the same goals as traditional churches—connecting people to God, fostering spiritual growth, and proclaiming the Gospel. However, they cater to a specific demographic: the Western-heritage community.
“We’re reaching into a group of people that are very hard to penetrate and reach into,” Pete explains, “and leading men to know Jesus, who then go on to lead their families to love and to know Jesus.”
A Legacy of Partnership
Pete’s time at B. H. Carroll also instilled in him a deep appreciation for partnership. Inspired by the stories of missionaries and pioneers, he recognized the importance of collaborating with others to maximize impact.
“It’s a big place, but it’s also a small place,” he says, “to reach as many people as possible, we need to leverage all of our relationships into the most powerful partnerships they can be.”
Pete’s journey is a testament to the power of flexibility and the importance of pursuing one’s calling, through B. H. Carroll’s online seminary, he was able to equip himself for ministry while remaining rooted in his community. His story inspires others to embrace unique paths and pursue their God-given dreams.
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