Grace Christian University seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program which emphasizes the integration of biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation.
Our mission is Graduating Godly Individuals Prepared to Serve Christ in Church and Society
(see more)Grace Christian University seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program which emphasizes the integration of biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation.
Our mission is Graduating Godly Individuals Prepared to Serve Christ in Church and Society
Grace Christian student finds lifelong passion with West Michigan Ministry
Savanah Pfaff, daughter of Frank and Andrea Pfaff, has always known a profession in counseling was in her future. Uncertain of the field in which she would specialize, Pfaff explored various areas throughout her studies. Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Seminar, and similar coursework offered by Dr. Scott Shaw, allowed her to delve into new and unique areas of Counseling as a career. Pfaff came to Grace Christian with the support of her family. "My family has always been very supportive of me attending a Christian university to receive a Psychology degree with a Christian worldview." Physiological Psychology, taught by Professor Dawn Rogers-Defauw, brought to light the extreme need of Grief Therapy. Over time Pfaff saw senior students volunteer and intern for a local non-profit named "Starlight Ministries." Located in Hudsonville, Starlight's mission is to be a place "where hope outshines grief." Combining her coursework, mentorship from professors, and opportunities provided by Starlight Ministries, Pfaff's states "it was meant to be". Her time walking with those who are grieving the loss of loved ones to suicide has given Pfaff "a passion to walk with those who are grieving the loss of a loved one and this is a path I definitely feel called to." "At Starlight Ministries, we really try to talk about death in a straight forward but loving way, to assist people in navigating through their feelings and emotions within group settings" stated Pfaff. This free service offered to people of all ages has a yearly budget built upon fundraised dollars. Currently, Pfaff is working with grief groups ages Pre K- Third grade, but is developing a young adult support group for ages 18-25 with the hopes of groups starting in 2022. Director of Programming for Starlight Ministries, Stephanie Hogan, shared "Starlight Ministries has been blessed to have Savanah as an intern these past several months. Savanah is passionate about helping people and has a heart for shining God's hope into the lives of hurting people. She is a hard worker, go getter, and never shies away from a new experience even when it feels daunting. Savanah has been a true joy to work with!" Every support group is permeated with the Bible, "To see the change in people as they come to a place where they are understood is so powerful. We are able to listen and present the hope of God and the eternal life that is given to each of us." Joyful moments for Pfaff come in seeing healing begin, "This one little girl came to our group but was very quiet at first. After about six weeks she started to open up and eventually became the ringleader of the group, helping others to feel comfortable. She knew she was not alone in her grief and has now taken on a leadership role where she is helping others just like her. I went to help people but whenever I serve someone they actually help me to learn just as much, if not more, about the value of our stories and how we navigate feelings. Helping children work through their grief while learning about the Bible has been so enlightening and refreshing. My hope is that the work God has called me to do will rub off on the kids I walk alongside, so that they may grow up and serve others as well." Savanah Pfaff will graduate next month with a Bachelors in Psychology with a hope to work toward graduate studies soon after. Ms. Pfaff is finishing her internship by "leading through developing programs of grief support, while fulfilling one on one support as well." Always reflective of her time at Grace Christian University, Pfaff states that a goal is to "bring more grief support programs back to Grace Christian one day after I graduate." After her time here, Pfaff will seek full-time roles as a Children's Grief Counselor. Grace Christian University wishes Savanah Pfaff great success in her future as she finishes her degree this spring and launches into the world prepared to serve Christ in church and society. To learn more about Human Services offerings, visit On Campus School of Human Services or Online School of Human Services.
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2022 Apr 27
Junior at Grace Christian serves GRPD and Community
When Merly Velasquez-Ortis shows up for her internship, she never knows the array of questions she will find upon answering the phone. Yet she does so with compassion for her community members in distress, and is grateful for the honor of navigating challenges with them. Daughter of Abelina Ortiz and Eliseo Velasquez, Merly is fulfilling an internship with the Grand Rapids Police Department as a student with Junior standing at Grace Christian University, located in Wyoming, MI. Merly is not only the sole daughter of five children in her family, she is also the only family member in law enforcement. "We do everything together as a family and they are very supportive of my chosen profession," Velasquez-Ortiz stated when asked about their feelings. An open mind and willing heart drove Velasquez-Ortiz to pursue a career in law enforcement. "During and after high school, nothing seemed to fit for my future until I took Introduction to Criminal Justice at Grace Christian University. In that class I found out about the internship with the Grand Rapids Police Department and the path that can be offered through their program. I was hooked after that," said Velasquez-Ortiz. Merly is able to serve as an intern with GRPD, located in Grand Rapids, and as a team member who answers non-emergency calls for the department. Her tasks also include taking larceny reports from the public and updating the sex offender registry, among other tasks. When asked about what fills her with joy from this internship, she knew just how to answer, "I think being bilingual has really opened up opportunities to assist detectives by serving as an in-house translator for them as we serve people that come to us. I was honored to be able to be the actual voice for a shooting victim who was sharing the story of what happened as I translated for him. Being able to connect with him in the moment was special and will shape my future in the field of police work." When asked about her future in this profession, Merly Velasquez-Ortis was excited to share her goal of a Graduate degree in Criminal Justice. She is exploring the Grand Rapids Police Department sponsorship program, which contributes funds for the Police Academy and further training. While enrolled at Grace Christian University Merly continues to grow academically and spiritually, while pursuing the many career opportunities available to her. The School of Social Sciences and Human Services at Grace Christian University, led by Dr. Scott Shaw, Phd., D. Min provides a variety of degree options rooted in a biblical core. On Campus or 100% Online programs allow students like Merly to seek and pursue their calling in a format convenient for their life.
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2022 Feb 16
Grace Christian Student Interns with Local Police Department
Shari Vanden Berg, daughter of Jim and Terri Vanden Berg of Door, MI started attending Grace Christian University as a Psychology major with the desire to work with children. Over time she changed her degree to Human Services with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and her focus on comunity service grew. "After meeting with and taking a class with Dr. David Greydanus I felt like God started opening doors for this path and they continue to open." Vanden Berg went on to share that her Criminal Justice elective classes entitled "Introduction to Legal Studies" and "Sex Crime: Investigation, Trauma and Psychosocial Implications" continued to foster a great interest in serving her community through police work. "One of the greatest things I have drawn from the classes offered at Grace are how God can use me to serve people," says Vanden Berg. Through Grace Christian University's partnership with the Wyoming Police Department, Vanden Berg has secured an internship as a cadet. Her internship experiences have involved helping others with what they need at the local, county, state and federal levels. When asked if she felt prepared for this role, she pointed to the valuable learning experiences through mission trips that shaped her listening skills with her local church, First Byron Christian Reformed Church, located in the nearby community of Byron Center. Vanden Berg lights up when speaking about her future in police work, "I love being part of people's lives as there will never not be someone to help. When people deal with police it's usually the worst day of their lives and I am excited to be a person to step into that space with them." While Vanden Berg will be graduating in May of 2023, she has goals of working in a local police department after graduation with visions of someday serving in an investigations unit of a state level police department. As Shari reflected on her path to this point she mentioned that "This is the calling where God has placed me and I will follow Him through it all." Grace Christian University is thankful for Shari Vanden Berg and others like her working to graduate as a godly individual prepared to serve Christ in church and society.
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2021 Dec 9
Grace Christian University Students Named to Spring 2021 Honor's Lists
Grace Christian University recognizes On Campus students who were named to the Spring 2021 Dean's and President's List.
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2021 Jun 30
Leaving Their Legacy, Grace Christian Seniors and Staff Finish Strong
Tradition remained on the campus of Grace Christian University as soon-to-be alums hosted the annual Senior Chapel. For those following in their footsteps this means advice, encouragement, and a glimpse of what is to come from upperclassman.
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2021 Jun 1
Business Degree at the Top of the Class
Recently recognized as Best Online Bachelor Degree in Business by study.com, the School of Business at Grace Christian University offers two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees in flexible formats. This premier recognition was closely followed by the Online Bachelor in Human Services and Online Master in Ministry, both of which ranked #2 by study.com and intelligent.com respectively. Malachi Merrell is an On Campus student in the School of Business at Grace. He is active as a member of the track team, is the head of the student Wellness Committee, and is a student employee. Malachi has used his social media skills as a staff member at About You Counseling & Consulting as well as on campus with a campus wide staff video initiative. He is currently a volunteer with Kids Food Basket, co-leader for a student initiative named Defeating Mental Health, and has been recognized as Sales Associate of the Quarter at a local clothing store. His service extends beyond the walls of campus and into the community as a volunteer with One Wyoming One on One Mentoring Program.
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2021 Apr 30
Students + Partners = Relationship
Current online students Spencer Kilgore and Zach Gibson recently visited Grace Christian University. Both studying Psychology, Spencer and Zach are passionate about using their degrees to pour back into Adult & Teen Challenge Ohio Valley, an organization that helped them both overcome years of addiction in their youth. Not only are they graduates of this program, but they are also vital employees to the organization. During their visit, Spencer delivered a strong message in Baker Chapel to the on-campus community. He and Zach engaged with students in the classroom, dining hall, common areas, and made themselves available to answer questions about the mission of Adult & Teen Challenge Ohio Valley and the community they serve. This visit is a wonderful example of how collaboration creates opportunities. Because of their organization's partnership with Grace Christian University, Spencer and Zach receive a tuition discount to their online programs and they have the opportunity to share the organization's mission with students. For those studying on campus, this visit introduced them to job opportunities and created connections for internships. As the university continues to prepare students to serve Christ in church and society, hosting on-line students on campus is an important part of partnership development. Upon leaving, both shared how impactful the visit had been for them. Spencer stated "I know I am at the right school. I don't want to leave my new friends". The community at Grace Christian University is unique in so many ways. To find out more, visit gracechristian.edu and/or www.ohiovalleyteenchallenge.com
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2020 Feb 26
Jennie Losinger Leads Hygiene Drive Initiative
Current student Jennie Losinger, remembered hearing a teaching from President Kemper on 'walking the walk' not just 'talking the talk', Jennie felt compelled to make a difference but was unsure how. It was time for a change. After a trip to downtown Grand Rapids, Jennie saw a need. Many of the people downtown spoke on the lack of hygiene products. After further research, she found Mel Trotter, a local ministry, also had very few supplies of hygiene products and needed more in order to fulfill the widespread need. After seeing many drives for clothes or food, she had never seen a hygiene drive. Jennie recalls that God planted the idea in her head, as she has never done a hygiene drive before, and has been amazed at the outcome. She was able to reach her goal of 500 hygiene products. Jennie says, "It's so incredibly amazing to know that something so simple as a drive can help and affect so many people. I just love helping people in any way possible." To see what other great things students are accomplishing across campus, you can visit https://gracechristian.edu/blog/category/blog/.
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2020 Feb 21
Students Serving With Passion and Purpose
Lydia Peters and Kimberly Buskirk, recent graduates of the on campus human services degree program at Grace Christian University, have begun their careers with InterAct. InterAct is dedicated to fostering hope and wellness for those in Michigan suffering from mental illness or substance abuse. Lydia is excited to begin serving her clients as an ACT clinician with "goal-focused treatment designed to help them heal without inpatient services." Kimberly shares the same sentiment, saying she has found an "amazing team and loves the work they do in the community." Kimberly spent time as an intern at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as well as at Pine Rest as a psychiatric technician prior to joining InterAct. Keri Chearney, a soon-to-be graduate of the online human services degree program, has always had a passion for helping others. Returning to school as an adult with two teenagers at home did not come without its challenges, but she is grateful to be more fully equipped to share the gospel with others. Keri says, "I have become more confident as a leader in my homeschool community, and understand more in-depth the needs of others. There is such importance in developing relationships and building trust when serving at-risk communities. I plan to continue serving with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and reaching children in the community who are victims of sex trafficking." The human services students at Grace Christian University feel called to listen to the voices of others and serve where God directs. The chapel theme for the 2020-2021 academic year is Voices - Heard and Unheard, and we are grateful for students like Keri, Lydia, and Kimberly who desire to seek out the voices of others.
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2020 Aug 13
From Failure to Success - Ryan Rowe Has Seen It All
Ryan Rowe was raised in Gladwin, MI. At 20 years old, he moved to Grand Rapids, MI to attend Grace Christian University. Ryan is receiving his AA degree this spring but will continue to pursue his BA degree. His expected graduation date for his BA is 2022. Ryan has overcome many obstacles. It took him six years to graduate high school. His expected graduation date was 2015 but instead graduated in 2017, at 20. He graduated high school with a 0.979 GPA. Ryan's parents split at 17 and shortly after had to move out. With a rough home life, and without parental structure and support, he was the kid who put his head down on the desk and slept through almost every class. Ryan's high school physical science teacher heard about his situation and asked him to live with her and her family and go to church with them. Ryan began to study well and receive good grades, because of their care and support. Ryan moved out and decided to live alone and finish his last year of high school after living with them for a year. He was initially planning to go to community college, but once he visited Grace with friends and found out he had a shot at attending, he was hooked. "My enrollment specialist Hilary was truly amazing, caring, consistent and instrumental in getting me here", Ryan remarks. He now has a 3.31 GPA and has made the Dean's list nearly every semester. Ryan shares his gratitude "I cannot express how thankful and appreciative I am of every staff and faculty member at Grace Christian University. They are the best, because they believe in us students and see something special in each of us. They truly care and put a lot of hard intentional work, love, and grace into everything they do. If it was not for them, I do not know what I would do with my life. Thanks for believing in us!" Ryan's story shows God's providence and faithfulness in his academic turn around. Find out how you can become like Ryan. Find out more at www.gracechristian.edu.
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2020 Feb 14
Tigers shoot blistering 68.5% in quality road win
An efficient night on the offensive end propelled the Tigers to victory on the road against a solid Campbellsville University-Harrodsburg team on Friday night, as they shot 37-54 (68.5%) from the floor throughout the night. They would stick to their dominate the paint with the size advantage, only needing to shoot 7 three-point shots - their previous lowest three-point attempt game being 15 in 2019-20. Senior Austin Jackson had quality totals in every category on the stat sheet, with 25 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks, and 0 turnovers. Point guard Brandon Winchester-Jones added 24 points on 8-11 shooting. Kierson Watts and Adam Kregel added 14 and 13 points, respectively. "We were a little sluggish and turn the ball over way too much tonight but this team always seems to find a way to win," said Grace Head Coach Gary Bailey. "We know that we are going to get everyone's best shot so we have to continue to be ready to play. I felt like we executed the game plan really well but we just need to clean up some unforced errors." "I am always so proud of this group. Great sportsmanship on the floor, and high character guys off the court," added Coach Bailey. The NCCAA DII #2 Tigers now have a huge match-up to prepare for next Tuesday, as they welcome in NCCAA DII #1 Great Lakes Christian College to town. This will be the final home game for Grace this season, and the seniors will be recognized on Senior Night prior to tip-off. Be sure to get to the game early if you are attending, because the gym will likely fill up during the women's game at 5:00 pm.
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2020 Feb 11
Grace Student Kim Buskirk Completes American Red Cross Internship
Kim Buskirk, a senior All-American cross country runner and national qualifier for the track and field team, has returned from her extensive two week leadership training in Washington D.C. with the American Red Cross' internship program. Kim was chosen as one of the select few out of a couple hundred student-athlete applicants from both the NAIA and NCCAA. Throughout the week Kim experienced a lot of what Washington D.C. has to offer, even shadowing some daily work being done in the nation's capitol building. When asked what her favorite part of her two weeks was though, Kim was quick to point to some of the great leaders she heard from. "The coolest/best part about the experience was being able to learn from top leaders across the board, including Gail McGovern who is the CEO/President of American Red Cross," said Kim. Kim displayed how excited she was to implement the leadership skills she has learned on campus and on the cross country and track and field teams this upcoming year. "I plan to really step up and be a leader, not just by example, but by being an outward leader for the teams. I hope to be a positive energizing leader who focuses on respect, serving others, and being dependable/approachable for my teams." Grace Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Gerry Verwey reiterated that Kim will be called upon to take her leadership role to the next level as a junior in 2018. "Kim has always been a leader by example for our cross country and track teams. Her experience this summer in D.C. has really empowered her to become a more verbal leader, fully invested in what our mission is. I believe we will see her leadership spread beyond our teams to across the whole campus, as well." One of the main initiatives for student leaders in the American Red Cross program is to plan and implement at least two blood drives on their campus throughout the year. The work has already started for Kim, as she is already planning the first drive at Grace for students, staff, and the surrounding community this upcoming fall.
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2020 Jan 29
Grace Students Kick Off the Holiday Season with Free Christmas Concert
Grace Christian University School of Music, Worship, and Technology (MWT) students will perform a free Christmas concert for the community on December 6 at 7 pm. The event will showcase a variety of student performances at Rush Creek Bible Church in Byron Center. Whether student's passion is to lead worship at a local church, travel as a musician, or run live sound, Grace's MWT program will transform students of diverse abilities into creative, multi-faceted artists who excel in producing music, worship, and media for the glory of God.
Achievement (Other) -
2019 Nov 27