My journey to The King’s University wasn’t linear. In fact, if I had to draw it, it would look more like a zigzag turning into a circle within a circle—layered, complex, and full of surprises. But looking back, I can see how God was shaping something beautiful and multifaceted all along.
The First Degree and an Early Dream
I started college in the 1990s and graduated with my first bachelor’s degree, minoring in music. I took piano lessons and taught myself to play guitar so I could lead worship in small groups. Even though I didn’t pursue music professionally at the time, worship always had a place in my life. I volunteered in church choirs, led songs in small groups, and spent countless evenings worshiping and songwriting with my guitar.
Professionally, I worked as an editor and staff writer. My goal back then was to become a novelist, and though I never finished writing a novel, I figured that dream would come to life eventually. I didn’t realize that God had a different plan, one that would unfold slowly, in layers, over many years.
A Surprise Calling
In 2012, something unexpected happened. One night as I was driving home from choir rehearsal, a phrase bubbled up in my heart: “I want to be a worship pastor so bad, it’s not even funny.” I don’t know if I said it out loud or just thought it, but it startled me.
A worship pastor? That was never on my radar.
“What I thought was a hobby was actually part of a deeper calling.”
But from that moment on, God began making it clear. What I thought was a hobby was actually part of a deeper calling. It wasn’t just music I loved: it was ministry.
So, I started making plans. I wanted to return to school, but first, I needed to pay off debt and save money. That seemed like a responsible approach. But over time, my plans unraveled. I lost jobs. My career as a writer and editor stalled. Nothing went according to what I thought was a logical timeline.
Still, the calling didn’t go away.
Finding The King’s
During this season, I kept praying about how to prepare for ministry. I considered one school in Dallas known for training worship leaders. But then God reminded me: The King’s University was closer to home. I already knew people who had gone or were attending, and I like to do ministry in relationship. I had even heard about their Bachelor of Arts in Worship Leadership program—created specifically for those who felt called to lead worship pastorally.
Then came a breaking point. I was working a frustrating temp job, unsure of my next steps, and I randomly signed up for Discover The King’s (formerly known as Campus Day), an on-campus event for prospective students. At that point, it was a two-day event, and by the first evening, I had just lost my job.
I remember walking into Campus Day unemployed and insecure. The thought of going back to school with no financial stability felt impossible and just plain crazy. But during the event, I felt a clear confirmation from the Lord.
So, I prayed a bold prayer: “You want me to go back to school. But You’re going to have to pay for it.”
And He did.
Shortly after I was accepted into the program, I discovered a $10,000 credit in my student account from an anonymous donor. That gift was more than financial provision, it was divine confirmation that I was walking through the door God had opened, and I knew He would take care of me.
A Second Bachelor’s: This Time with Purpose
Returning to college in my 40s was a wild adventure. I was a full-time student, working multiple part-time jobs, and juggling adult responsibilities. Most of my classmates were half my age, but they treated me like an equal. I also worked in one of the administration offices at The King’s, where I formed friendships with people closer to my stage of life.
It did feel strange not getting to goof off like I did in my 20s, but that’s what you do when you work your way through school: you work, do homework, and then work some more.
I also experienced some midlife health issues for the first time. After visiting the ER because I nearly had a stroke (I discovered that I had high blood pressure that needed managing), I had to make major changes to my diet and even gave up caffeine, which is extra hard to do in college. But when my classmates at The King’s learned about my health issues, they gathered around me one day between classes and prayed for me.
I felt loved and covered in a new way with new friends.
Managing work, school, and volunteering at church was overwhelming at times, but I grew in ways I never expected. I didn’t have time to overthink or overplan—I just had to trust God day by day. I leaned on Him more deeply than I had in any other season of my life. When people asked how I was doing, I’d say, “School’s fine. Everything else is crazy.”
Yes, the academic experience itself was fantastic. I was growing musically and spiritually. I wasn’t just learning how to play piano better or sing stronger—I was learning how to shepherd people through worship, how to lead with discernment, and how to develop the character of a pastor.
A New Direction: Seminary
But just when I thought I had a clear picture of my calling, God added another dimension.
During a quiet time at home one morning, just me, my guitar, and some worship, I felt Him say, “How would you like to get your doctorate?”
I froze with shock.
Doctorate? Seminary? That had never crossed my mind. Yet the same way God had once unveiled my call to worship ministry, now He was gently nudging me toward a call to teach, study, and write—not fiction, but theology.
Not long after that, The King’s announced a new program: the Master of Theological Studies. It was designed as a pre-PhD track with a focus on academic rigor, including a thesis in place of a practicum or capstone. As soon as I heard about it, I knew it was for me.
I applied, and got in.
The Master’s Degree and a Renewed Vision
The Master of Theological Studies was as stretching as it was rewarding. I worked several jobs at first, and eventually, I was hired full-time at The King’s. I took nearly all my classes online so I could balance work and school, often spending lunch breaks doing homework in the library.
“The Master of Theological Studies was as stretching as it was rewarding.”
I discovered a passion for Church history, especially the early heresies and the development of doctrine. I wrote my master’s thesis on the theology of choir, a topic that merged my love of worship and theology in a surprising way.
When I stepped onto the stage at graduation, there were tears in my eyes. I did it! God and I both finished this journey together. I was so thankful, humbled, and hopeful for the future.
Through this academic journey, I also came to appreciate one of the distinctives of The King’s: students are not spoon-fed doctrine. We’re taught the truth of Scripture, introduced to diverse theological perspectives, and invited to engage with those ideas thoughtfully and prayerfully. That environment helped me grow not just in knowledge but in humility and critical thinking skills I know I’ll carry into whatever comes next.
The Gem
Now, looking back on all the zigzags, I can see the pattern. God wasn’t just redirecting me, He was refining me. I didn’t end up writing novels, but I may one day write textbooks or contribute to academic journals. I didn’t arrive at The King’s on a straight path, but the journey has formed something precious: a calling with multiple facets—worship pastor, professor, writer.
“The door He opens will come with provision, community, and the strength you need to walk it out.”
If you’re wondering what your calling is, or if you already know and feel overwhelmed by the journey, let me encourage you: listen to God. Trust Him. Don’t let age, finances, or timing discourage you. If He’s calling you, He’ll make a way.
The door He opens will come with provision, community, and the strength you need to walk it out. The King’s was a safe place to watch all of that unfold for me.
And as you walk forward, no matter how winding the path may seem, just remember—you are being shaped into a gem that reflects His glory.
The King’s University integrates Biblical education and practical ministry to shape Spirit-formed individuals who follow Jesus, serve His Church, and are sent to impact the world. To learn more about The King’s University or to request more info, please visit our website.