Mission

The world was saddened to learn of the recent death of Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood.” After graduating from Rollins College in Florida, Rogers intended to go to a seminary and study for the ministry. He changed his plans after watching what he considered horrid children’s programming. Instead he developed his now famous show for PBS. Rogers did not give up his original goal. He eventually earned his divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1962. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church to a ministry to children. Children and adults who have been affected by his unique brand of kindness will never doubt that it was indeed a ministry.

_______________

J. Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati, OH.