A Message To Our Students From Lindsey Jacobs, Vice Chair, DSF Board

Dear DSF Students,

I have always had a special understanding of the difference between an enjoyable career and a calling. As the daughter of two Disciples ministers, I could hardly ignore that distinction. My younger sister is a licensed clinical social worker, and I can see her calling in action every day, just as I have witnessed with the Revs. Mary and Bill Jacobs my whole life. I have liked and even loved jobs, found a career, and discovered meaning in my work. Recently, though, I have come to personally understand the difference between a job, or career, and a calling.

To fully understand, you have to know some background information about me. I went to Chapman University, a Disciples-affiliated institution that I learned about through the church. I chose to study theatre and spent four years immersed in my passion for acting and the performing arts. Since graduating, I have found joy in various jobs, but it wasn’t until seven months ago that I felt called.

At the end of last year, a recruiter contacted me about a position at a performing arts organization in Orange County, CA. She saw that I had been a fundraiser in my specific area (legacy giving) for almost 12 years and a theatre major, and knew that the position required my expertise. I was not looking to leave my job and only said yes because my inner theatre nerd wanted me to.

Fast forward through an increasingly exciting interview process, I finally got the offer and said yes. I began my new role as Director of Gift Planning Strategies at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on February 9, 2026. While I love that we are a Broadway hub and a world-class performing arts center, what called me is our dedication to arts education. Growing up in the arts is what made me who I am today, and I wish that for all people.

While I have always been mission-driven in my work, the last seven months have felt like sliding into a comfy pair of PJs. Yeah, my day isn’t always easy, and yes, there are stressors and difficulties, but it fits. This is what I always imagined a calling to be. Something that isn’t always easy but is fulfilling.

I do not mean to downplay the many differences between raising funds for a meaningful purpose-driven organization and serving in ministry. What I mean to do is celebrate you all for choosing your calling. For finding your mission, your passion, your purpose, I honor you. I am proud to serve on the Board of Disciples Seminary Foundation as your Vice Chair and to be a small part of the great wonders you have and will achieve. Blessings be upon you in your journey to where your calling may take you.

Lindsey Jacobs

Vice Chair, DSF Board

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Lindsey Jacobs has been a Disciple of Christ church member her entire life. She has served as Youth Coordinator at Manhattan Beach Community Church (UCC), has been a camp counselor, and a double PK (if you know, you know). She received two degrees from Chapman University (a DOC and UCC-affiliated higher education institution): BA in Theatre and MA in Leadership Development. Today she serves as the Vice Chair of DSF’s Board and is a proud member of First Christian Church in Orange, CA.