Lladale Carey
United Methodist Communications
Dillon Burns grew up in a loving, caring family in Saline, Michigan.
His father was a software programmer while his mother stayed at home with him and his three brothers. Living in the same place and attending the same local church, Saline First UMC, most of his life, Dillon considered his church just as much home as where he laid his head at night.
His mother volunteered for children’s programs at their home congregration, and her sons eagerly helped her. Besides church activities, Dillon was active in school. He ran cross-country, played in a marching band, acted in school musicals and was in a creative problem-solving program called “Destination Imagination.” Even in his down time, he kept busy.
However, as a teen, Dillon began to waver in the faith he had known since childhood. He realized it was not his faith but his parents’ faith. He was lost and alone, unable to voice his confusion. In college, a friend guided him back into Christianity. As they studied together, Dillon realized that faith was personal and he needed to own it.
After this revelation, he began pursuing a call into pastoral ministry in The United Methodist Church. He reached out to the clergy in his home congregation. A deacon encouraged him to attend Exploration, a United Methodist event for young adults considering ministry. The church sponsored him financially to attend the conference.
“It was at this conference I accepted my call to ordained ministry, forever indebting me to my deacon and church for their support and assistance,” Dillon said.
At Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Dillon heard about the Gift of Hope Scholarship from his campus minister. “I appreciate that the church supports students through scholarships – not just because education is increasingly expensive – but [also] because it’s a very real, tangible reminder of the support of the church. It is a blessing to be reminded of Christ’s love, a blessing available only through the church’s support of United Methodist Student Day.”
Enrolled at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology as a full-time student, Dillon is working toward a Master of Divinity degree. Employed part time at University United Methodist Church, he directs children’s ministries and conducts a weekly college ministry for TCU students who attend on Sunday mornings.
He believes his work at University Church is making a difference, particularly in the children with whom he works. “It is my goal to work alongside the church staff in encouraging the church intentionally to work in its surrounding neighborhood and city,” Dillon said. “All substantial changes in the world begin at a local level. University and its children’s ministries are the perfect launching ground for teaching the tenets of Christianity and showing that faith should lead one to having substantial and real impact for the good of the world.”
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
Last Updated on December 15, 2023