Vicar Ian’s Senior Sermon at Austin Theological Seminary
On Friday, March 13, 2026, members of the TLLC staff and congregation attended Discovery Weekend Worship at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. We were there to support and celebrate our pastoral intern, Ian! Ian is finishing his final year in Seminary and one of the privileges granted seniors is to plan and deliver a worship service in which they preach their Senior Sermon.
Hear what Ian’s fan club had to say:
Attending the service at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary to hear Ian preach his Senior Sermon was a very positive experience. I got to see Ian in his environment which I thought appeared to be similar in many ways to our church with readings, music, and very friendly and hospitable people. I felt that Ian was very comfortable in delivering his sermon and will be an excellent Pastor. -Bennie
It’s been almost 25 years since I gave my own Senior Sermon in seminary, and just the thought of it still makes me a bit queasy, which gives a little insight into just how intimidating the experience can be. As I stared out from the pulpit at a sea of my professors, who held the fate of my future in their hands, I spotted my family, friends, and church members in the congregation and felt a rush of relief. I hope Ian felt as much as he spied his own TLLC cheering section at the APTS chapel! He gave an excellent message on Jesus’ instruction not to worry. It was a blessing to be inspired by his words, and a blessing to pay forward the support of our Christian community 25 years in the making! -Pastor Danielle
Seeing Ian’s face light up when we arrived at APTS chapel was such a delight. He showed a mix of excitement and surprise when he responded with hugs and comments, “Thank you all so much for coming. This means so much to me.” All I could say in return was, “Where else would we be on this most important day, Ian!” We are so proud of Ian and his journey to becoming a pastor! TLLC has been enriched by the addition of him to our staff first as CYF Intern and then as Pastoral Intern. Wherever his path takes him after graduation in the spring, TLLC will always consider our time shared with Ian a blessing. You will always belong here, Ian! -Tracy
It was wonderful to get to watch Ian flex all of his skills from preaching, to liturgy writing, as well as a musician! It was also so wonderful to see so many of his people from so many different places and spaces come together, from his mom, to his former supervisor from Dayton, Ohio, to his seminary professors and friends, to all of us at TLLC. Shout out to Anna for inviting us all! -Deacon Bri
Recently, I had the joy of attending Vicar Ian’s senior sermon at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, tucked in near the University of Texas at Austin. The campus felt peaceful and welcoming, and the chapel—with its intricate carved woodwork and subtle German influences—reminded me of the Lutheran church of my childhood in Galveston. It was an intimate space, filled with people gathered to celebrate and support Ian. He opened with a moving piece of poetry that drew everyone into his message, “If Not Us, Then Who?”, delivering it with a natural ease that made it feel both heartfelt and immediate. Throughout the sermon, a few of his fellow seminarians responded aloud with “Amen!” and “Yes!”—something unfamiliar to me as a lifelong Lutheran accustomed to quieter reflection. Rather than feeling out of place, I found it meaningful to witness the different ways we, as Christians, engage with the same Word—some inwardly, others boldly and aloud—each expression equally sincere. Ian’s sermon was thoughtful and focused, and when he concluded (to enthusiastic applause he may not want to get used to), he hopped on the drums— in true Ian fashion— and accompanied a vocalist for a joyful, upbeat song that beautifully echoed his message. The celebration continued afterward at The Crown & Anchor Pub, where, on a perfect sunny March afternoon, we gathered to toast his accomplishment. Surrounded by strong representation from TLLC and a spirit of genuine fellowship, I was reminded that one of the greatest gifts of the church is community—people who show up, cheer you on, and walk alongside you in faith. -Shannon
Ian’s Senior Sermon was hope-filled for me, both in hearing his message and witnessing the resounding support of his calling. I felt very blessed to be there and hope I get to hear Ian preach again soon! -Matt
We went to hear Ian’s Senior Sermon. Ian’s sermon was very good and we enjoyed hearing the growth that Ian has made with his sermon. The readings and music choices were a good selection. We enjoyed the other people in the congregation, different ages even a little child and different ethnic groups. The church is very pretty. -Karen
I had the opportunity to attend Ian’s senior sermon service at the Seminary chapel. It was a lovely service that I thoroughly enjoyed! Watching Ian leading worship and giving his sermon, I felt conflicting emotions. On one hand, I felt overwhelming pride, watching Ian take some of his final steps before graduating and becoming a Pastor. It feels at once like he has been at TLLC forever (first as the CYF Intern then as Vicar) and also like he just got here! I also felt a bit of sadness, knowing that he won’t be an intern at TLLC much longer. As I watched Ian preach his lovely sermon, I felt blessed beyond measure to have spent the last several years getting to know Ian and experience his transformation from student into the Pastor he was made to be! -Lisa
I felt very Triumphantly Loved & am grateful to be a part of such a supportive community. -Vicar Ian
