“During my time at CBTS, my professors were concerned not only with my academic work, but also with my heart and my holiness.”
Those words summarize Wilson Marsh’s experience as a student at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.
Today, Wilson serves as pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas. Three years ago, he moved his family to Wichita Falls after being sent to plant the church. He and his wife, Kayla, have been married for 15 years and are raising four children together. In April 2024, the congregation was formally constituted as a church.
Seminary Education Shaped by Pastoral Care
Pastoral ministry is a great privilege, but it also brings unique burdens. Wilson found that seminary offered more than theological instruction. It provided the wisdom and encouragement of experienced pastors who had walked the path of ministry before him.
“A pastor needs to have other men alongside him to minister to his own heart,” Wilson says. “I’m so grateful for the way that the professors at CBTS helped me walk through difficult pastoral situations with wisdom and biblical grace.”
Wilson started seminary eager to deepen his understanding of God’s Word. While books had served him well, studying under experienced pastors challenged him to think more carefully and apply biblical truth more faithfully.
“A man can read all the books he desires for theological education,” Wilson explains. “Yet a seminary like CBTS leads you in pausing, contemplating truths you’ve read, and challenging your understanding.”
More Than Theological Instruction
What shaped Wilson most, however, was the pastoral care he received beyond the classroom. During difficult seasons of ministry, the faculty came alongside him with prayer, counsel, and encouragement.
“It was encouraging to have them come alongside me in my pursuit of Christ,” Wilson reflects. “During my time at CBTS, my professors were concerned not only with my academic work, but also with my heart and my holiness.”
Made Possible Through Financial Assistance
Wilson also remembers another blessing that made his education possible. Early in his studies, he was serving a small rural church in an economically struggling community. With limited financial resources, he simply would not have been able to continue his seminary education without assistance.
“The financial assistance made possible by generous donors allowed me to progress in my studies without delay,” Wilson says. “I would not have been able to continue my studies otherwise. For that, I’m immensely grateful.”
Help Prepare the Next Generation of Pastors
As Wilson’s story demonstrates, faithful pastors do not simply appear—they are trained, encouraged, and equipped for a lifetime of ministry. That work is made possible through the prayers and generosity of God’s people. A gift of $50 a month helps provide affordable, biblically faithful theological education for men preparing to shepherd Christ’s church. Just as generous supporters made it possible for Wilson to continue his studies, your monthly partnership can help equip the next generation of pastors to proclaim God’s Word and care for His people. Will you become a monthly ministry partner and help prepare faithful pastors for a lifetime of gospel ministry?
