Mark Cook-Alumnus Feature

Mark C. Cook, CHC, USN,-MDiv, Class of 2006 :: 04/18/10

I never thought I would go to seminary.  After I completed my undergraduate studies, I was sure that I would never return to formal education.  After taking my first class at Fuller, I realized my determination to avoid school was more about subject matter than commitment, studying or tuition. 
 
What I found at Fuller was a group of friends who were asking the same questions I was.  Seminary was more about the journey than the destination.  I didn’t know if I wanted to be a pastor or if I even wanted to be ordained, yet I needed to be in community with other believers trying to make sense of life. 

Along the journey, I had two children, moved once, switched jobs once and went from two incomes to one.  I found many like minded people and others who I disagreed with yet respected tremendously.  I pursued ordination and through God’s call became a Chaplain in the United States Navy in August of 2009.  I now see that the questions I asked throughout seminary have made me the minister I am today.  The friends who I agreed and disagreed with made me more effective in being a chaplain.  I am grateful to my classmates, instructors and to God for where I am today.