My Time in Leadership in Ministry Grace
Hi, my name is Marcus Taylor, and I am a senior at Grace Christian University. My major is Leadership in Ministry with a minor in Youth Ministry. The Leadership in Ministry program at Grace Christian University has been an eye-opener for me. It opened up new ideas, especially how to become a leader, more importantly, how to become a better leader within myself, but also how to help others become better leaders.
Following God’s Call to Grace
God actually drew me here a few years ago, but I kind of tried to avoid it because I didn’t want to be a pastor or at least a leader. But then I had an incident happen where God was drawing me too close to ignore, and He told me that this was my calling and not to be afraid. So I put all my chips on the deck, you would say, and began to follow what He was telling me to do.
Looking back now, I’m so grateful I listened. What I thought I was running from turned out to be exactly what I needed.
Learn, Grow, Serve
Grace’s themes of Learn, Grow, and Serve have definitely taught me to become a better critical thinker. They’ve helped me understand how to think outside the box, but more importantly, they’ve taught me to actually involve people in my circle, to ask other people’s opinions and be willing to serve and sacrifice. It’s taught me not to be selfish, but to be willing to love and give people the opportunity to share their voice along with mine.
That collaborative approach to leadership has been transformative for me.
Why Choose Grace for Leadership in Ministry
If you’re willing to grow, and if you’re willing to take a big risk, I know risks in 2025 are scary, but it’s okay, come here. The Grace community is very welcoming, very loving, and very supportive. You will not be alone, and you will actually enjoy the sacrifices that you make here.
This program will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, but the support system here makes all the difference.
The Value of My Degree
I believe the value of earning a college degree is that it will help me grow as an individual and be more open to actually talking to different folks, both genders, different cultures, and different religions. It’s about trying to understand their perspectives, but more importantly, sharing minds and co-existing to share one thing: the love that comes from Christ Jesus.
My education here isn’t just about learning ministry skills, it’s about learning how to connect with and serve all kinds of people.
How Grace Has Shaped Me
Grace has definitely made me more of an extrovert. I came in here super quiet, very nervous that I would not be accepted, even though I’m a believer myself. I kind of got a bad reputation from church experiences years before, but now I feel more loved and supported, especially by my friends here. It’s been a great journey of healing and growth.
The transformation from who I was when I arrived to who I am now has been remarkable. I never thought I’d be this confident or this open with people.
People Who’ve Made an Impact
I would definitely say Dr. Loverin and Dr. Shaw have had the biggest impact on me. They opened me up to, one, be more restful, actually taking care of my mental state as well as my spiritual state. But they’ve also encouraged me to be willing to converse with other people and not be afraid of actually talking to different people and asking for advice, instead of just trying to do everything by myself.
Their mentorship has taught me that leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers, it means being willing to learn from others.
A Day in Someone Else’s Shoes
If I could swap places with any professor or staff member for a day, it would definitely be P. Long. He’s very unique, very humorous, but very intelligent as well. I can definitely tell that he’s very theologically smart, but more importantly, I would like to pick his brain on where he began his journey and how he keeps himself so relevant with the new generation while keeping his humor going.
His ability to connect with students while maintaining theological depth is something I really admire.
Just for Fun
My favorite drink since being here has been Red Bull, it keeps me going through those long study sessions! And my favorite snack is definitely donuts. I’ve been enjoying the Marge’s donuts here since I’ve been at Grace.
Looking Ahead
Grace Christian University has taken someone who was running from God’s call and transformed me into a confident leader ready to serve in ministry. The Leadership in Ministry program didn’t just teach me theory, it challenged me to grow personally, spiritually, and relationally.
I came here nervous and quiet, unsure if I’d be accepted. I’m leaving as someone who knows how to lead with love, think critically, and create space for others to use their voices. For anyone considering Leadership in Ministry at Grace, I can tell you this: if you’re willing to take the risk and trust God’s calling, this program will transform you. The professors genuinely care about your mental, spiritual, and personal growth, and the community will support you every step of the way.
Don’t be afraid to answer the call. Put your chips on the deck and see what God does through your time here.
