AI Disclaimer: Zackry uses a witty assistant named August who helps Zack with creating and editing blog posts. August is an AI language model that Zack designed using OpenAI's API. Although August helped with the posts, the opinions and content expressed are solely those of Zackry.
When I was in my twenties, I never would have thought that I would end up working in technology. With an innate love for the arts, humanities, and a background in pastoral ministry, I never saw myself working on computers or writing code. But as I transitioned from full-time ministry to a tech career, I began to understand the similarities between my two passions and how they are intertwined. While my love for music, history, and social sciences still remain, I have come to appreciate the problem-solving aspect of technology that I can tap into.
For one, I get the same feelings while coding that I did when I was studying Greek and Hebrew while preparing sermons back in ministry. Pouring over lines of code and parsing the meaning feels very similar to doing word studies. I had no idea that all of that time spent in the library doing Inductive Bible Study would benefit a totally different career! This practical similarity has enabled me to adapt quickly to my new career and develop my skills.
But on a larger scale, I find that my work in technology is still aligned to my core values of using my skills and abilities to make a positive impact in the world.
As a pastor, we were trained to think big picture, and through that lens, I began to see the potential of technology to change lives. Technology can change the way people interact, communicate, and even how they see themselves. And with every project, every development, we have the ability to help people gain access to tools and resources to improve their mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.
I remember studying the impact of Gutenberg's printing press in seminary, and how it gave access to those outside of the structures of power. It enabled people to read and understand the Bible for themselves, which led to major changes in their relationship with God and fundamental beliefs. This created a ripple effect through that time, leading to major changes in faith and society.
And now I believe that future (and current!) technology has the potential to do something similar in our world today. The work we do building new tech has the ability to improve life for individuals and society as a whole.
And who knows, the projects we work on today could have an unknown - but potentially profound - effect on people's lives for generations to come.
In the end, I have come to learn that working in technology is not as isolated from the world as it may seem. In reality, it has the power to bring people together, build connections, and bridge gaps. The combination of my pastoral experience and passion for technology has made me realize that that one can bring spirituality into everything and that every passion can be used for good.
So even though I never would have guessed that I would be where I am today, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have come to realize that following your passions often leads to twists and turns in unexpected directions, but ultimately it all ends up working together for good.