Under the Fig Tree: Coming to the Seminary as a family with Dan and Christie Hampton

Under the Fig Tree

In this episode of Under the Fig Tree, host Rev. Micah Glenn and fill-in host Kati Gaschler (while Dr. Benjamin Haupt is on sabbatical) sit down with first-year Master of Divinity student Dan Hampton, an Indiana native, and his wife, Christie, who also serves as a communications specialist at the Seminary. The couple share how they ended up at the Seminary after Dan served as a Director of Christian Education in Indiana and Colorado. They offer a few details about how they made the decision to move to St. Louis as a family with two children. “The way things all lined up, I can only attribute it to the work of the Holy Spirit,” Dan says. “I could not do this without Christie’s support. … Without Christie, I still don’t think I would be here. God’s continually knocking on the door. … We both sat down and prayed and made the decision together as a couple, as a family. Now it’s cool to see how God continues to open doors. It’s been fun. It’s been a fun experience.” The couple also share some advice for prospective students and their wives. “Look to the people around you and into the Scriptures,” Dan says. “Really listen and abide in God’s Word. And trust the Holy Spirit. If He’s calling you here, [He’s] going to keep knocking on your door.” Christie added, “I would say specifically to the wives, follow in faith. Because a lot of times I think who you are listening to, what you are listening to about what a pastor’s wife is isn’t the truth as opposed to what God has in store for you. [Be] more aware of what those fears are and [don’t let] that speak and make your decisions rather than letting it be God saying, ‘This is where you go.’ And just do it.” In the recurring segment, “Ripe for the picking or leave it on the tree,” hear how the trio feel about pineapple on pizza, Fruit Roll-ups, cilantro, the TV show “Parks and Recreation” and more!

“Under the Fig Tree” is a video and audio podcast of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. New video and audio episodes are added weekly each Monday during the academic year. “Under the Fig Tree” can be found on YouTube, the Seminary’s Scholar site (scholar.csl.edu) and most podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. Those interested in vocational ministry are invited to join the Seminary contact list at https://ask.csl.edu/register/Request-Information. You can learn more about Concordia Seminary at http://www.csl.edu or by contacting the admissions team at [e-mail] or 800-822-9545.