August 5, 2020 | Andrew Hurst
Waxahachie, TX
Major: Church Leadership with a minor in History
Hometown: Valparaiso, Florida
Q: As a missionary kid, how was the transition for you going from the Netherlands to Texas?
The transition from the Netherlands to the United States was difficult just like anybody’s transition into a new place. I believe the hardest part about any transition is leaving friends and family and going into a new atmosphere. However, I have absolutely loved living in the United States and moving to the great state of Texas has been one of the best decisions I have made.
Q: What led you to SAGU and to pursue Church Ministry?
Both of my older brothers, James and Andrew, went to SAGU. Ever since I was 14, I always felt that I would follow in their footsteps and go there too. And since being called into ministry, it was confirmation from God that SAGU was the right path for me. After being called into ministry, I knew that it would be essential for me to pursue a degree that helps me in ministry. During welcome week, I got the opportunity to hear from Dr. Clarensau and I made the decision that a Church Leadership degree was the right choice for me.
Q: How has your experience been as a Church Ministry major? What have been some highlights for you so far?
I have loved my experience as a Church Ministry major! My favorite parts have been getting to know the professors in the department on a deeper scale and of course getting to speak in chapel was an amazing honor. I love being a Church Ministry major and would recommend it to anyone going into ministry!
Q: What have you been involved in during your time at SAGU? What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most?
During my time at SAGU, I have been heavily involved in Residential Life as I am now going into my second year as a Residential Assistant (RA) in Teeter Hall. I have been involved as a work-study for both Dr. Clarensau and Dr. Magruder in the Bible and Church Ministries department. I was also involved in Revive Nights, our student-led prayer and worship night, and I am hoping to start it up again in the fall.
The most enjoyable part of campus life is the community aspect of it. Getting to be surrounded by a diverse group of people that are around the same age as you has been amazing. I remember when I first got to SAGU, I was planning on being in Savell and later changed over to Bridges, where I joined a random suite. Through that, I was able to meet three of my best friends, Mark, Gavyn, and Logan. The best part of being on campus is being able to be surrounded by your friends all day!
Q: What has had the biggest impact on you since you started at SAGU?
SAGU has provided me with the tools to help me grow in my relationship with God. Everything from chapel, to ministry classes to Christ-like friendships – SAGU has helped me grow into the person who I know God wants me to be.
Q: How have the past few months been for you? How was the transition to remote learning this past spring?
I feel that I can speak for a lot of students by saying that the transition to remote learning was frustrating. Going from in-class learning to zoom calls and videos was difficult. It is so much easier to be in an actual classroom and learning directly from a professor. That is why I am so excited to be back on campus this fall.
Q: What are you most excited about with the campus reopening in a few weeks?
I am most excited to be involved in a close community of friends again. I believe that this pandemic has emphasized how important it is to spend time with people you care about. I am also excited to get back into an actual classroom on campus and not having to only be on zoom calls!
Q: What advice would you give to SAGU freshmen?
Don’t stress so much! This first year of school should be a learning year for you. Obviously take time for your studies and getting your work done, but take time to hang out with your friends. Don’t spend so much time in your room alone. Take time to meet new people. Go out to downtown Dallas and watch a Stars game. Never decline an offer to go to Whataburger with someone, because when you get to your senior year the memories you are going to cherish are the ones with your friends.
Michael is receiving the hands-on, practical training he needs to step into a wide range of ministerial roles. Are you called to serve in the church? Through our Church Ministry programs, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and real-world experience to serve behind a pulpit, on stage during worship, and more! Click here to learn more about our Church Ministry programs.
And, huge news! Starting this fall, SAGU is launching a Church Ministry Degree Scholarship. All On-Campus Ministry Majors now receive from 50-100% off tuition including all federal, state, and SAGU scholarships and grants. This means each ministry major will receive from over $5,000 to $10,000 per semester in grants and scholarships! Click here to learn more.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community.
We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service.
Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
