08/13/2026
Carson Hanson thought he had a plan.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming, he was preparing to step into a job opportunity that seemed like the obvious choice. But when several trusted mentors and members of his church community began asking the same questions about that path, Carson realized he needed to listen.
“When I had all these people that I looked to for spiritual guidance expressing the same concern,” he said, “it’s something I should probably listen to.”
So Carson set aside time to pray, read Scripture, and seek God’s direction.
What emerged was a deeper sense of calling:
“I don’t think I can love, serve, and worship the Lord in the way that He deserves to be loved, served, and worshiped without going into ministry.”
Today, Carson is pursuing his master’s in ministry at Wesley Seminary, where his understanding of leadership and pastoral care continues to grow. Through his classes, professors, and relationships with people from different backgrounds, he is learning that faithful ministry means learning to shepherd people who may think, worship, and experience God differently than he does.
Now, as he begins leading young adults, Carson is putting that formation into practice.
His story is a reminder that calling doesn’t always begin with certainty. Sometimes it begins when the plan changes, and we become willing to listen.
What might God be asking you to pay attention to in this season?
