The Call to Teach
Attempting to compose a brief biography was harder that I thought. How do you summarize your life, the events, and all the ways that God has shown His faithfulness?
I was born in a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area. I had a wonderful childhood and loving parents, but God was not the center of our lives. We went to church on the holidays or special occasions, but I did not know anything about the Bible or how to have a relationship with God.
As a newly married young woman, God sent a faithful couple our way who presented the gospel story to us. This group was a very conservative Wesleyan denomination with a suitcase full of rules, but we studied the Bible, learned how to pray, and were given a strong foundation to build our lives on.
My husband and I were called to ministry. We raised five sons and I went back to finish my education when I was able to fit it in. I can completely understand the majority of students at NBC who juggle family, ministry, and take college courses. I completed my B.A. in History at San Jose State University and received my teaching certification. I later went to Northern Arizona University to complete an M.A. in English and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
I have felt the call to teach since before I became a Christian. Becoming a Christian gave me the desire to use my education and love for people to honor God and encourage other believers. I had worked part time for NBC for several years while teaching high school, working as a school administrator, and teaching college courses. The job opening at NBC to be the Director of General Education was an answer to prayer. I have the privilege of working with the greatest people on earth and teaching students preparing for ministry and God’s will in their lives. What could be better?
The joy that comes from people sharing ideas continually amazes me. I hope that the students in my classes will catch the vision of a lifelong yearning for knowledge, God’s will, and the exploration of how we can make a difference, and in some small way, contribute to making the world a better place.
My life verse is Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV). There are many verses that speak to us for a situation or time, but this one reminds me of where I was, where I am, and where I’m going – if I continue in the faith and am not moved away from the hope of the gospel.
“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)
Dr. Sandra L. Palm, NBC Faculty and Director of General Education Core Program
Published: 11/25/2019
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