Class of 2018 profiles: Sara Pantazes can’t wait to dive in

  1. Class of 2018 profiles: Rosy Robson prepares for what comes next
  2. Class of 2018 profiles: Pamela Fusting will close no door
  3. Class of 2018 profiles: Christopher Manunyo-Nyonyoh prepared to make a difference in Ghana
  4. Class of 2018 profiles: Sara Pantazes can’t wait to dive in
  5. Class of 2018 profiles: Bruce McVey faces down challenges to reach the pulpit
  6. Class of 2018 profiles: Crystal Harper Fallesen doesn’t let life get in the way
  7. Class of 2018 profiles: David Frost hears a strong call to ministry

BY JEFF STAPLETON

As Sara Pantazes looks back at the last few years taking classes in the Blended Learning Program at Union Presbyterian Seminary, she has this piece of advice for those who may be in the same situation she was. “Follow the Lord. If God calls you to this, then God will make it possible. If you have a calling, it’s not going anywhere, be true to what God is calling you to do.”

When Pantazes started her online program at Union, she had a full plate taking care of her growing family. “When I started the program, my second son was three months old and he’s now five. I’ve done this whole thing online while raising young kids.”

She was fresh off quitting a job in fundraising and development when she started taking a Bible study program at her church. While that was happening, she was approached by the associate pastor who wanted her to help lead worship one Sunday, which she accepted. A couple of weeks later, she was struck by a revelation. “All of a sudden I had this Holy Spirit moment of inspiration,” Pantazes said. “That I’m part of a denomination that allows women to lead worship every Sunday.” From there, she realized her calling was to pursue the advanced degree at Union.

Sara Pantazes with some of her fellow graduates. From left, Jean Chung, Archana Samuel, Pantazes, and Pamela Fusting.

Pantazes, who graduated May 19 with a Master of Arts in Christian Education degree, will be working as a director of Christian education at a church in West Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Her studies at Union prepared her well.

“The M.A.C.E. degree does a good job at recognizing that Christian education is a science and an art,” she said. “I gained a pretty solid academic foundation in Christianity through the Bible survey classes and some theology classes. But we also learned how to do education through classes like educational theory and human development. Putting those two pieces together, in the midst of a society where the role of faith and the church is shifting, that’s the challenge for 21st century Christian educators. This calling requires us to be really creative. I can’t wait to dive in.”