My name is Connor Rice, and I’m a sophomore at Grace Christian University majoring in Biblical Studies. The Biblical Studies program has been transformational in my life, and I’d like to share how this program has shaped my understanding of God’s Word and prepared me for ministry.
Why I Chose Grace
What really appealed to me at Grace was the small community aspect and how highly qualified the professors are here. The community is truly centered on God’s love, and I really felt that when I visited campus. That combination of academic excellence and genuine Christian community made Grace the clear choice for me.
Learn, Grow, Serve
Grace’s objective of Learn, Grow, and Serve connects with me in several ways. Being a sophomore here, I can see how my first year was more of a learning phase where I grew a lot personally and spiritually. This year, I’ve had more opportunities to serve, going to churches and doing ministry work. I can see these themes playing out throughout my life and my time here at Grace in a very tangible way.
Why Choose Biblical Studies at Grace
If you’re looking for a place that teaches the Bible with professors who genuinely care about you in small class sizes, where you can have one-on-one discourse with your professors, this is the place to be. The professors are kind and uncompromising about the truth of the gospel, and it’s a great place to learn the Word of the Lord.
The intimate classroom environment means you’re not just a number in a large class; you’re a person with questions and callings that your professors want to help you explore and develop.
The Value of My Degree
I think earning a college degree is very valuable, not just for the piece of paper that I might or might not use professionally, but for my time here, the things I’ve learned, and the ministry I’ve done here. That’s what’s valuable to me about the college experience. It’s not like the regular college experience; it’s a Bible-centered college experience that integrates faith, learning, and hands-on ministry.
How Grace Has Shaped Me
My time at Grace has given me both an educational classroom experience and hands-on ministry opportunities. I’m already doing what I hope to do in my career, and that has shaped me in so many ways. I’ve grown tremendously, and I’ve been put in places where I’ve been stretched and pushed out of my comfort zone.
This process is really building character and putting me in a position where I can consistently seek the Lord. Being challenged in these ways has been uncomfortable at times, but it’s exactly what I needed to grow into the person and minister God is calling me to be.
People Who’ve Made an Impact
Rick Pileci has especially impacted my view on life this year. He’s shown me what it looks like to live a life full of ministry, and I really appreciate seeing that modeled so authentically.
Many of the professors here have also changed me through their knowledge of the Word. Prof. Vegh and Prof. Rogers immediately come to mind. I’ve had so many conversations with them that have helped me learn, digest, and talk through hard topics. Their willingness to engage deeply with questions and wrestle through difficult theological concepts has been invaluable to my growth.
A Day in Someone Else’s Shoes
If I could swap places with any Grace professor or staff member for a day, I would choose either Kyle Vegh or Jake Rogers. I would love to be in a position to teach the freshman Bible classes and interact with students in that teaching role. Having the knowledge they have and being able to share it with students who are just beginning their journey would be amazing.
Just for Fun
My go-to coffee is usually a hot chai; I love a good hot chai! As for snacks, I’ve been into apples recently. Some Honeycrisp apples hit differently, especially during the fall season.
The Grace Impact
Grace Christian University’s Biblical Studies program has been truly transformational for me. The combination of biblical education, intimate classroom settings with highly qualified professors, and hands-on ministry opportunities has prepared me for whatever God calls me to do next.
For anyone considering Biblical Studies at Grace, I can confidently say this program will challenge you academically, stretch you personally, and equip you spiritually. The professors genuinely care about your growth, the community centers everything on God’s love, and the opportunities to serve are abundant.
