By Amy Robertson

J

uggling a full-time job, a family, and schooling is beyond tough. But Clayton Puddicombe, a pastor at Whitecourt Baptist Church, has come out on top.

He graduated from Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Sask., April 24, 2010, as the seminary valedictorian.

Puddicombe, 35, was also awarded the seminary’s excellence award for ministry skills.

Puddicombe came to Briercrest College and Seminary in 2006. He was fatigued and disillusioned after nine years of youth ministry, but sensing a different call from God, he chose the Master of Divinity at Briercrest College and Seminary because it would give him both rigorous training in Bible and theology and the skills he knew he’d need in the future.

He’s glad he did—both because he grew and because of where his studies have led him. He was offered his position at Whitecourt Baptist just last year.

“I’m regularly revisiting class notes and ‘old’ papers in light of day-to-day ministry,” he says. “I now meet with people and lead from a clear theological framework. Also, my final major research project [on hospitality-based intergenerational ministry] related directly to my real-life ministry focus.”