Alumni Spotlight: Carli Smith
Carli Smith attended the Emmaus School of Biblical Studies 7 years ago. This week, we caught up with Carli to see how her life has changed after her year studying the scriptures at Emmaus.
Carli, it has been a long time since we have seen you, what is going on in your life?
I am currently working in marketing and admissions for a Christian college in Franklin, TN. Our mission is to “equip and empower graduates to be on-mission in the world for Christ,” no matter the industry in which they find their careers. I also serve at my local church in the youth group, helping high school girls learn more about the character of God and how that impacts every area of their lives.
What originally led you to Emmaus?
I had just finished a Discipleship Training School with YWAM in 2012 and felt strongly that I wanted to grow deeper in my knowledge of Scripture and gain answers to lots of my questions by knowing the text holistically. I was vacillating between the decision to find a School of Biblical Studies or go to college to earn a degree. I found Emmaus on a random website that listed different SBS locations and ended up on the phone that same day with Tom Phillips! A few weeks later, I took a trip to tour a college and check out Emmaus and as soon as I drove up to the property, I felt this peace settle over me. I looked over at my mom, and we both knew it was the right next step. After learning more on that tour, I made my decision to go!
What sticks out to you the most after all these years?
I look back in awe of the grace that God instilled in me to get me through such an extensive study program. I am so grateful for the privilege to go to Emmaus and study Scripture. I wish I could time-travel back to be in the stillness of that season again with the Lord.
As I typed this, I feel very emotional! I pray my husband, and I have the opportunity to come back and drink from this fountain of truth again with you guys in person. I love what you guys are doing and pray nothing but blessings and joy over the staff, students, and mission. I’m so grateful for the gift of my time at Emmaus.
I also feel humility and gratitude knowing the rare gift it was to study scripture with such excellent resources available to me and in an environment that allowed me to ask the tough questions.
How are you currently utilizing what you learned at Emmaus?
I still use each book’s notes as I study through Scripture today. It really changed the way I approach reading the Bible. I don't focus as much on “What does this say about/For me” rather, I ask “What does this say about God, and in turn, how do I respond?''
What was your favorite book of the Bible during your SBS and why?
I enjoyed Genesis the most because it was the book I had previously had the most trouble understanding God in. I finished studying it more in love with Him than ever before after tracing His mercy through the pages.
Looking back, how did Emmaus affect your relationship with God and the Bible?
It gave me a holistic picture of God’s redemptive story and a posture of humility towards Him. After completing the program and Interacting so deeply with Scripture I am far more rooted in instinctively knowing truth and being equipped with a broader perspective.
Did you have a moment where it all "clicked" for you?
I would describe the understanding and growth I gained as a gradual process that continued to build upon itself in deeper and richer ways with each book.
What was your best memory from the school?
This is too hard! On graduation day, the students in our class made a 45-minute hike in the dark to watch the sunrise together. We were just sitting in awe of the metaphoric mountain God had enabled us to climb - with Him and because of Him.
We loved catching up with Carli and seeing how God is using her time at Emmaus to help her continue engaging the Bible and leading others in their faith. If you would like to learn more about the program that Carli did, find out more by clicking this link: https://emmausbibleministries.org/school