When I stepped on campus, I just knew this was where I belonged,” Kaylee Skelley ’08, ’25 says.

As a child in Spokane, Washington, attending a Nazarene church with her family, Kaylee vividly remembers accepting Christ every Sunday out of fear that she had somehow lost her salvation during the week. “I thought if I sinned, I had to be saved again,” she says. It wasn’t until sixth grade, when her grandparents began attending a Grace Gospel Fellowship (GGF) church, that she began to see a different side of faith, one that emphasized the security of salvation through Christ alone.

The following summer, at a camp in July 1997, Kaylee truly met Jesus. Amidst the challenges of a turbulent home life, her relationship with Christ deepened and she found a hope and security she had not known before. That same thread of security would later draw her to Grace Christian University.

Though she can’t recall exactly how she first heard about Grace, Kaylee remembers that as early as fourth grade, she dreamed of attending Grace Bible College. Throughout high school, that dream developed as she attended Berean Church, where Doug Kessler ’83 and Brad Bruszer ’95, ’98 were youth pastors and Dr. Kemper ’85 occasionally visited. Despite her mother encouraging her to look elsewhere, Kaylee’s heart was set. A campus visit solidified it; she immediately sensed that Grace was a place where she would feel safe, valued, and wanted.

More Than Academics

Initially, Kaylee set out for an associate degree in business. She completed her two years, but during a sleepless summer night after her second year, she clearly felt God urging her to finish her degree.

The next morning, she met with Linda Siler ’67 in the registrar’s office, registered for classes just a week before they started, and ultimately graduated with an associate’s degree in business and a bachelor’s degree in human services. Now she could help kids who had faced difficult situations like her own.

Kaylee’s years at Grace were rich with growth, community, and life-changing experiences. Bible classes with Professor Phil Long ’87 were “epic” and Dr. Jan Schregardus left a lasting impression. But it was Dr. Shaw who impacted her the most, not only academically but personally. She recalls group counseling classes that sometimes met at Applebee’s, and a final exam that took place over a home-cooked dinner at Dr. Shaw’s house. “It wasn’t just academics, it was real life and applying those skills,” Kaylee says.

Spiritual disciplines also took root during her time at Grace. Through chapel, small groups, and church involvement, she developed a lifelong commitment to not only being fed spiritually but also serving others. And somewhere in between classes and chapels, she was getting to know Adam Skelley ’08, ’25. They met at freshman orientation and spent time together at Grace Adventures. They dated for two years, were engaged for two more, and married shortly after graduating in 2008.

A Life of Service

Life moved quickly. The couple relocated to Arizona and Kaylee and Adam both found jobs. Kaylee first worked with children with disabilities, then moved into high-needs case management. But the emotional toll of that work led her to seek a different way to serve. She transitioned into higher education, working at Grand Canyon University, where she discovered a new passion: helping students discover their callings and futures.

Throughout her career, Kaylee has always viewed her work as ministry. Whether serving children or college students she sees each role as an opportunity to be a light for Christ. “I always knew I wanted to serve,” Kaylee says. “Grace helped solidify that through opportunities to serve at church, in the community, and through internships. It doesn’t always have to look the same, the heart behind it is the same.”

Today, Kaylee serves as the Director of Online Admissions for Grace Christian University, while Adam works as a business analyst and leads the multimedia team at their church. Their life has been full of unexpected turns, especially when their second daughter was born with significant medical issues. But through every season, God has been faithful.

Still Being Written

Looking back, Kaylee hopes the legacy she leaves is simple.

“My mission is to be a light and make a difference, to reflect Christ and not myself. ”To current students, Kaylee says, “Don’t get discouraged. Trust God’s plan. We often think we know our trajectory, but God is in control.”

Now, Kaylee and Adam have both completed master’s degree programs at Grace and graduated in 2025. Kaylee earned an MA in Higher Education Leadership and Adam, a Master’s of Business Administration. Their oldest daughter plans to attend Grace as well, a testament to the lasting impact Grace Christian University has had on her family. “Always keep growing,” she says. “Keep asking God, ‘What else do you have for me?’”

For Kaylee and Adam, their story is still being written. But one thing is certain: through every chapter, Grace has been, and will continue to be, a vital part of their journey.

About the Author: Stephanie Maendel ’26 is a Communication & Christian Studies student at Grace Christian University. She’s passionate about missions and inspiring her generation to live out the Great Commission. After graduation, she hopes to pursue ministry and community outreach, serving and empowering individuals and families locally and globally. 

Earn your Degree at Grace

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Born in Uganda to parents in ministry, Philip was introduced to Jesus from the very beginning. Even in stressful moments, like a hospital stay as a young boy, his desire for spiritual comfort was clear.

One night after surgery, he cried inconsolably, asking repeatedly for someone called “Aunt Bible.” Nurses and family puzzled over the request until they realized he meant his Aunt Nivas, a key figure in his early faith formation. When she arrived, Philip lit up, not because he wanted toys or comfort food, but because he wanted to pray and talk about Jesus before bed.

It was the first of many moments that affirmed how deeply Jesus was woven into the fabric of Philip’s life.

From the time he could walk, Philip was involved at church. He led worship for the first time at age 7, joined the production team at 8, and by age 10, he was managing bilingual presentations during services. He adjusted slides in real-time to make sure the Luganda-speaking congregation felt just as seen and ministered to as the English-speaking one. It wasn’t just about excellence; it was about ministry.

Building a Life

At 12, Philip began attending a Christian boarding school, where Saturday nights were marked by student-led worship and fellowship. Upperclassmen mentored younger students, modeling faith, leadership, and service.

Though he joined primarily for production, Philip gradually taught himself to play various instruments just to ensure soundchecks went smoothly. What started as a workaround became a full-blown passion.

By 15, Philip’s musical gifts and production instincts were impossible to ignore. He joined a prayer group, started reading the Bible for himself, and recognized God calling him into ministry, not just as something he did, but as someone he was becoming.

Though he was also gifted in math and physics, Philip never wavered in his conviction: “I knew that my life would forever be leveraged for the life of the local church.”

After graduating top of his class with an engineering focus, Philip took a gap year to work full-time at his father’s church. It was the first time he saw ministry not just as a weekend rhythm, but as a vocational calling.

That same year, while leading worship at a conference, he was awarded a full-ride scholarship to a Bible school in Sydney, Australia. The opportunity was life changing. “I realized that, yes, I’m in Bible school, but I have to know God personally, not just as a scholar,” he says. His time in Sydney solidified his calling, but just as he was preparing to apply for a bachelor’s program, God shifted the course again, calling him back not into ministry, but into engineering. “And frankly,” he laughs, “I was mad.”

He applied to schools around the world and was only accepted to one: Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He took the open door and moved halfway across the globe. It didn’t take long to discover that the engineering industry wasn’t the right fit. But even then, God was at work. Philip got involved in campus ministry through Cru, helped build the production team, and spent the summer of 2019 on staff at Grace Adventures, drumming, mentoring, and making connections. It was there he met students from Grace Christian University. Curious, he caught a bus from Allendale and attended chapel on campus. The community, he says, was warm, grounded, and full of purpose.

He applied to Grace and another Bible college, and though both accepted him, he sensed clearly that he should stay in West Michigan. “God said to stay local,” Philip says. “And wherever He sends us in the world, Michigan will always be home. ”He began classes at Grace Christian University in the fall of 2021, and three weeks in, he had a job as a worship leader.

More than that, he had a renewed clarity of mission. “Most people figure out who they are during their bachelor’s,” he says. “But for me, Grace was like a master’s program in calling. I already knew who I was; I just needed the space to live it out.”

Building a Family

Grace became the place where Philip sharpened his identity and walked fully in his gifts. He never had to apply for jobs during school; every opportunity found him. One of the greatest of those opportunities came not in chapel or on a stage, but through a person sitting next to him in a Dr. Sam Vinton ’55 class. Her name was Ayondria. “I wasn’t looking to date anyone. I even thought about wearing a fake wedding ring!” he says.

They sat side-by-side for six weeks before he realized she was the one God had for him. But when they finally connected, it was undeniable. “It’s a miracle how God has woven our story together,” he says. “My ministry life is so much better for knowing and being known by Ayondria.”The two married in 2024, graduated in May of 2025, and had baby Hannah shortly after.

After serving on staff at Rush Creek Bible Church for several years, he stepped away from full-time ministry to return to the root of his faith: just being with Jesus. “It’s the invitation to be that kid again, the one who just wanted Aunt Bible so he could pray before bed.”

The Next Adventure

While the Kirabiras weren’t looking to move away, Philip received four different job offers in Ludington, Michigan. It became clear Ludington was the next destination.

Philip will be the Worship Director at Radiant Church. He says he’s both nervous and excited—“nervoucited”—and a bit sad to be leaving Grand Rapids, where so much life and growth happened. “But we prayed for this, and the Lord has provided!” Philip says. “We’re excited to be stepping out in faith and obedience because that is ALWAYS the best place to be with God.”

As Philip reflects on everything God has done, from Uganda to Sydney, Grand Valley, Grace, and now in Ludington, he sees a clear thread: God’s grace, guiding every step.“Grace Christian University has been a place where I lived into my mission and purpose. God gave me the opportunities I needed and sharpened me to be who I know I’m meant to be.”

And for Philip, that purpose has never been clearer: to live a life where the spotlight fades from him and shines on Jesus. Just like he hoped as a child, when all he wanted was five minutes to talk about the Savior who’s been with him all along.

About the Author: Stephanie Maendel ’26 is a Communication & Christian Studies student at Grace Christian University. She’s passionate about missions and inspiring her generation to live out the Great Commission. After graduation, she hopes to pursue ministry and community outreach, serving and empowering individuals and families locally and globally.

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His job at Yellow Rose Transport was empowering, and he was one email away from signing on to a high paying career with Caterpillar (CAT). With a workaholic schedule during his senior year and a passion for mechanics, his next steps seemed obvious.

Until he served in a vacation Bible school at the prompting of his pastor, who had been encouraging him toward ministry. Working with the kids at that event planted seeds of calling in Isaiah’s heart: “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” And with that, he turned down the job at CAT and prepared for a career in ministry.

Next Steps

At a local Christian music festival, Isaiah discovered Grace Christian University. He stopped by their booth almost on a whim, but the conversation that followed lingered in his mind. “Grace was like a calling, God was telling me I needed to go here,” he says.

After a tour of Grace’s campus, he was locked in. And so he enrolled. But following God’s direction didn’t mean the road was smooth. While he was eager to serve, ministry opportunities were few and far between. It seemed like he’d never be able to “spread his wings,” and he struggled to balance his passions for mechanics and ministry.

A Turning Point

In his junior year, he hit a wall of discouragement. Old friendships pulled him away from full devotion to the Lord. He was torn between loyalty to his friends and the realization that they were leading him away from Christ.

He decided to invest in friendships with peers who were running toward God. It was a difficult choice, but a turning point. Where there had once been silence, there was now abundance. The darkness gave way to light. Opportunities began to pour in. Internships opened up. Ministry doors swung wide.

“Staying faithful when God was silent made me realize that now, in these opportunities, I have to stay faithful too,” he says. “It’s not forgetting God on the mountain just because I cried out to Him in the valley.” One class in particular, about modernity and theology with Dr. Mat Loverin ’98, played a pivotal role in reshaping Isaiah’s understanding of God and theology.

He realized it was okay, even necessary, to wrestle with faith and rebuild it with conviction. The process allowed him to claim his beliefs as his own. “That class started the snowball,” he says. “It opened my mind to realize what actually matters: it’s not about every little doctrinal detail. It’s about salvation, knowing Jesus as your Savior. Everything else flows from that.”

The lesson hit even closer to home when his grandma passed away. Watching her face eternity crystalized what he had been learning: at the end of life, only two things matter, did you love God, and did you love people?

Freshman and sophomore year, he had lived as a severe workaholic, stressing over finances and future plans. Grace provided a space, and mentors, who reminded him: these years are about growing in Christ, not about hustling for money.

Looking Ahead

“Be patient, and trust. Fully let go of control of your life because God is sovereign. Whatever you try to do in your own strength will never work. You have to trust the incomprehensible power of God.”

Falling in love with Jesus, he explained, means realizing just how deeply Christ loves you, and responding with trust. He says it’s like riding a tandem bike. For much of his life, he had been steering while God pedaled. Now, he’s handing over the handlebars too.

His prayer for his life is simple, but profound: that people wouldn’t see him at all, but would see Christ through him. Whether fixing engines, preaching sermons, or simply being a faithful friend, he wants his life to echo one truth: Jesus is everything. “I want to leave a legacy where, when people think of me, they think of God,” he says. “Not for selfish gain, but because my life pointed to Him.”

About the Author: Stephanie Maendel ’26 is a Communication & Christian Studies student at Grace Christian University. She’s passionate about missions and inspiring her generation to live out the Great Commission. After graduation, she hopes to pursue ministry and community outreach, serving and empowering individuals and families locally and globally.

The post How Isaiah Denhof Traded Hustle for Jesus appeared first on Grace Christian University.

Grace Christian University’s mission is Graduating Courageous Ambassadors for Christ Who Make an Eternal Impact Wherever They Go. To prepare students to make that impact, they engage in biblically-integrated learning experiences and key transformational relationships with faculty, staff, and other students on campus and online.

Our academic courses and programs play a pivotal role in the Grace experience, and overseeing all of those programs presents a unique challenge and responsibility that I take very seriously.

Refreshed Learning Outcomes

Without apology, we want the education Grace offers to students to be biblically distinctive. So in the Spring of 2025, the faculty approved these new learning outcomes.

We want our graduates to:

LEARN: Cultivate Bible-centered wisdom in every area of academic learning and professional skill.

GROW: Reflect the love of God and Christian character through transformational relationships.

SERVE: Engage in Christ-centered service in church, career, and community.

Moreover, we want every graduate to display these things with excellence and character that is reflective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

Biblical Integration in Every Course

The “biblical integration” we strive for is the intentional, holistic blending of biblical truths, rooted in Scripture’s narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, with insights from the natural and social sciences.

In every class, Scripture serves as the authoritative lens for evaluating and critiquing ideas, values, and culture. Affirming that “all truth is God’s truth,” this approach gives a privileged place to the Bible as God’s normative authority, guiding a dialogue with human reason and experience both inside and outside of the classroom.

It also helps students develop a biblical imagination, engaging learning with their emotions, senses, and creativity, so that Scripture shapes how they think, feel, act, and respond as courageous ambassadors for Christ.

Academic Programs

I’m happy to say that Grace continues to offer degree program majors that clearly reflect our mission and identity as a biblical university. In the Online campus, our Leadership & Ministry major continues to lead the way, with Psychology, Human Services, and Business degrees going strong.

On Campus, our most popular majors are Business, Leadership & Ministry together with Biblical Studies, Sports Communication and Management, with Psychology and Criminal Justice programs as well. As of 2025, students who take our 30-credit Bible Core can also be eligible for a second major in Christian Studies alongside their professional degree. Grace also offers the two-year Associate of Arts degree, as well as four Master’s degrees in Ministry, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and Business Administration (MBA).

As I lead Academics at Grace, we continue to examine the marketplace for degrees that will be attractive to prospective students. A recent survey indicated that one of the most important things we do for our students is develop degree programs that lead to meaningful jobs in the future.

Artificial Intelligence & Higher Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field and higher education is consistently challenged to keep up. I, along with Associate Provost Dr. Scott Shaw, have been named to the national Higher Education Artificial Intelligence Council sponsored by the Center for Digital Education, a division of eRepublic.

This gathering of higher education leaders is meeting several times through the 2025-26 academic year to discuss how AI is affecting colleges and universities in the areas of teaching and learning, student success, and process efficiencies. We hope to both learn a lot from this group, and represent faith-based and biblical higher education well.

Here on campus, I am currently leading the Grace AI Guidance Council, a group composed of a wide array of faculty, staff, students, administrators and board members. Our task is twofold. First, to assemble as much relevant information as possible from the current trends in AI and higher education in order to inform our decision making here at Grace, especially as it pertains to our biblical worldview.

Second, to develop guidance and recommendations for decision-makers on campus when it comes to any and all implementations of AI: we want any interaction with this emerging technology to be reflective of our mission, vision, and core values, in short, our identity, as a biblical university.

Rooted in Mission

At Grace Christian University we remain unwavering in our purpose, which remains essentially unchanged since our founding as Milwaukee Bible Institute in 1939.

I can remember when I was a student attending Grace Bible College from 1994 to 1998 and a “new” mission statement was established: Graduating Godly Individuals Prepared to Serve Christ in Church and Society. I remember thinking at the time, “Wow! That’s a pretty succinct statement of what this place is all about. ”I am so grateful to be a graduate of Grace Bible College; this experience made me who I am and is such a key part of my story.

Today, as a biblical university, our mission statement is refreshed once again to reflect both our heritage and the unique brokenness of a fallen world that needs the truth of the Gospel as much as ever before. I am excited to lead Academics as we navigate the changing landscape of higher education.

We are cultivating a learning environment where a new generation of students will understand and experience what it means to be rooted in a biblical identity and to be transformed into courageous ambassadors for Christ.

About the Author: Dr. Mat Loverin ’98 has served Grace Christian University as Professor, Director of Assessment, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of the School of Bible & Ministry, and since June of 2025, has served as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Here he shares his vision for Academics at Grace and key plans for moving forward.

The post Dr. Mat Loverin Provost Update appeared first on Grace Christian University.

Donor-advised funds have continued to explode in popularity because of the convenience and tax advantages they provide.

If you are among the growing number of Grace supporters who give this way, now is a wonderful time to put those funds to good use.

Any gifts you’ve made into a donor-advised fund can be given without affecting your cash flow. They are ready and available to be deployed for ministry!

Your donor-advised fund is a smart and powerful giving solution for such a time as this.

Why Donor-Advised Funds Offer Even More

Beyond immediate convenience, donor-advised funds offer several unique benefits worth considering. For instance, you can contribute a lump sum to your DAF for an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend scheduled gifts to multiple ministries over months or years. This flexibility makes it easier to plan support for Grace or other charities according to your personal timetable and the needs of each ministry.

DAFs also allow you to donate various kinds of assets, including appreciated securities, real estate, or business interests, which can maximize your tax benefits and multiply your impact.

In addition, DAFs can play a meaningful part in your legacy and family’s charitable vision. You can name loved ones as successors, enabling them to continue advising on grants from your fund for years to come.

Learn More

Want to learn more about giving through a donor-advised fund?
Email Pete Tilden at ptilden@gracechristian.edu or call (616) 298-0771 today.

The post For Such a Time as This – Deploying Donor-Advised Funds for Ministry appeared first on Grace Christian University.

If you are at least 70 ½ years old, you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA (or $200,000 for couples) to Grace Christian University and receive significant tax benefits in return.

Why This Strategy Makes Such Good Sense

Any gifts from your IRA…

• allow you to give in a substantial way, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve while supporting the mission that matters most to you.
• reduce your taxable income (whether or not you itemize!), offering tax savings that many other charitable giving strategies simply can’t match. This benefit is especially valuable since the increased standard deduction means fewer people itemize their taxes today.
• can be used to fulfill any charitable pledges you’ve made, helping you honor your commitments while maximizing your tax advantages. Your IRA gift counts toward any pledge you’ve made to Grace Christian University.
• will fulfill all or part of your required minimum distributions, allowing you to satisfy IRS requirements without increasing your adjusted gross income. This can help you avoid higher Medicare premiums, reduce taxes on Social Security benefits, and maintain eligibility for various tax deductions and credits that phase out at higher income levels.

Additional Advantages to Consider

Beyond these core benefits, giving from your IRA offers even more advantages. Your gift transfers directly from your IRA custodian to Grace Christian University, making the process simple and straightforward. There’s no need to write a check or remember to make the gift, you simply instruct your IRA administrator to make the transfer on your behalf.

What’s more, this giving strategy allows you to support Grace Christian University with assets that might otherwise be heavily taxed. Unlike withdrawing funds yourself and then donating them, an IRA charitable rollover gift means the money never becomes taxable income to you at all.

A Time-Tested, Win-Win Solution

It’s a time-tested, win-win, tax-wise giving solution that has helped countless supporters like you make a greater impact while enjoying substantial tax benefits. Year after year, this strategy continues to be one of the most popular and effective ways to support the causes you care about most.

Is This Right for You?

Is giving from your IRA the right solution for you? To learn more about this and other smart and powerful giving options, call Pete Tilden, Chief Development Officer, at (616) 298-0771 or email him at ptilden@gracechristian.edu. Pete is here to answer your questions and help you discover the giving strategy that best fits your unique situation and goals.

The post The Obvious Solution: Giving from an IRA appeared first on Grace Christian University.

Your year-end gifts are critical in helping Grace Christian University continue graduating courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go. Every gift, whether it’s from your IRA (QCD, RMD, or straight gift), stock transfer, or charitable annuity, directly strengthens scholarships, supports affordable pathways through Vision 2025, and ensures that students are equipped to learn, grow, and serve.

Thank you for considering Grace in your year-end plans.

IRAs

If you would like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA, you will need to submit a QCD request to your IRA custodian. The check or electronic transfer must be made payable to Grace Christian University and sent directly to our office.

According to many of our friends who work as financial advisors, PLEASE consider making these decisions in October or November if possible in order to avoid the year-end rush. It takes a certain amount of time for the financial houses to clear, report, file, and process your request. Please allow sufficient time for them to process before December 31.

Also, gifts directly from your IRA are usually the most tax advantageous to donors. These gifts allow you to make the maximum contribution while avoiding the taxes on appreciated gains. Your tax advisor or financial advisor can answer specific questions. 

Physical Stock Certificates

If you want to make a gift of stock, please contact our Development Office for the most effective ways to gift these securities. Typically we provide you with the name of our broker, their contact information, and our tax identification number. It is always helpful and greatly appreciated if you make a donation of stock and inform the Advancement Office/Pete Tilden of the stock name, number of shares, and price; this allows us to confirm with our broker when the gift is deposited. Gifts of stock are sometimes received by the broker with little to no information regarding who they are for, where they came from, and how they are to be used; the more information, the better.

Real Estate Gifts – November 28

Any real estate gift requiring a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment must be initiated with Grace Christian University by this date.

Proprietary Mutual Funds – December 2

All proprietary mutual fund transfers must be initiated by this date.

New Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) – December 5

Any new SMAs (Grace fund assets separately managed by an advisor) must be set up by this date.

Complex Gifts – December 12

We know that life can be very complicated. Grace has an ongoing relationship with the Barnabas Foundation to help with some of those complicated “situations.” The Barnabas Foundation is an organization founded on helping Christians maximize their giving while minimizing their tax footprint. We have a limited number of hours available to donors who may have a “complicated financial situation” and could use some advice. If you think your situation would benefit from some time with a trained lawyer who works for the Barnabas Foundation, please contact me, Pete Tilden, at 616.294.6668 or email me at ptilden@gracechristian.edu. 

 Grants to Charities – December 15

Grant requests to approved charities must be submitted by this date if you would like a check mailed by year-end. (Note: grants do not need to be issued by December 31 for tax purposes.) 

Cash Gifts – December 31

Physical checks must be postmarked by USPS no later than December 31. Cash and wire transfers must also be received in Grace’s account by this date.

Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) – December 31

Applications for CGAs, along with physical checks, must be dated and postmarked by USPS by December 31. A CGA illustration must be completed beforehand.

Publicly Traded Securities or E-Checks – December 31

All stock and mutual fund transfers should be initiated with the broker by this date. E-checks must also be initiated by this date. After December 15, consider a physical check or wire transfer to ensure timely receipt.

Note: USPS may experience delivery delays. If your gift is sent via USPS, your receipt will reflect the postmarked date. For FedEx or UPS, the receipt date will be when Grace receives the gift.

For giving forms and detailed instructions, contact:
Pete Tilden
Chief Development Officer
(616) 298-077

Thank you for making an eternal difference through your year-end gift to Grace Christian University.

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Creating an Estate Plan: Finding Common Ground with Your Spouse

What a Wonderful Miracle Marriage Is, God brings two different people , with unique personalities, experiences, and opinions, and binds them together in a beautiful, holy union.

Of course, unity doesn’t come without its challenges, and this is especially true when creating a will or trust. If will planning is a hot-button conversation for you and your spouse, you’re in good company!

At Grace Christian University, we believe every part of life, even estate planning, is an opportunity to live out your faith, honor God, and model biblical stewardship for your loved ones. Here are five steps to help you move past your differences and toward the completion of an effective, God-honoring plan:

1. Call It Out

This is a difficult topic and often very emotional. Acknowledge this from the start; commit to listening and honoring one another in the same way Christ calls us to love and serve.

Resource: A great book for navigating difficult personalities and family history is Difficult Conversations. Read here ›

2. Put Away Your Boxing Gloves

Don’t treat this conversation as a battle that will be won or lost. Approach it prayerfully, with humility, and with the goal of finding peace and unity.

Tip: If you and your spouse are fundamentally opposed, it may be best to invite a neutral third party to help mediate. This could be a pastor, a trusted friend, or a professional arbitrator. Take time to check references and, if needed, interview before choosing someone. The right support can make all the difference, helping you reach agreement on your estate plan without lingering frustration or resentment.

3. Discuss Shared Values

Your faith has shaped your marriage and your family. Step back from the numbers and distribution charts. What do you truly want to accomplish through your plan? What testimony of faith and trust in God do you want to leave for those who come after you?

5 Questions Every Family Must Answer is a helpful article to guide conversations about shared values.

4. Identify Areas of Difference or Concern

Where do you see things differently? More importantly, why? Listen carefully with the goal of understanding, not convincing. In doing so, you reflect the patience and grace of Christ.

An encouraging article on the Ideal of Unity can help frame these conversations in a way that emphasizes peace and long-term agreement.

5. Explore Creative Solutions

Look for solutions that keep your shared values at the center. God calls us to be faithful stewards of what He provides, and planning well allows you to provide both for your loved ones and for Kingdom work.

Many couples enlist the help of a trusted ally to guide them through these conversations. Experienced planners have waded in these deep waters many times before. They can help you find solutions that align with your faith and your goals.

Through Grace Christian University’s partnership with Barnabas Foundation, you have direct access to trusted, Christ-centered planning support. At no cost to you, you can speak with someone who not only understands the tax-wise options available, but who also approaches planning with biblical stewardship in mind.

This is part of Grace’s commitment to serve you, not just in education, but in equipping families to live faithfully and impact eternity.

Ready to Learn More?

Call Pete Tilden at (616) 298-0771 or email ptilden@gracechristian.edu

The post When You Can’t Agree on an Estate Plan appeared first on Grace Christian University.

Finding My Path at Grace

I’ll be honest, I had my heart set on one of the theological schools in Atlanta. But I’ve learned to pray first and ask the Father to lead me where He knows is best. During one of those prayer sessions, I heard a single word: “grace.” That divine whisper completely redirected my search toward Grace Christian University.

What followed was months of thorough research. I came across Grace after a google search and felt this might be the place I was being called to. I studied the mission statement, connected with advisors to create a plan that would work with my family responsibilities, and had lengthy conversations with admissions representatives. After submitting my transcripts and completing all the requirements, I officially became a Grace student. The whole process confirmed that I was exactly where God wanted me to be.

My faith became the foundation for everything that followed. It shaped not just my academic pursuits but my entire personal development, providing a clear framework for my values and sense of purpose. More than that, it led me to discover a community where I truly belonged. The relationships I built and the educational experience I gained were far more fulfilling than anything I could have planned on my own. My faith inspired me to engage more deeply with my learning. 

Support in Online Learning

The biggest surprise about studying online at a Christian university? The genuine accessibility of my professors and instructors. Whenever I had concerns or felt unclear about an assignment, there were always plenty of resources available to help me succeed in the online environment. What I initially thought would be the hardest part, staying connected with professors and classmates through a screen, actually became one of the most rewarding aspects. While it did have its challenges at first, I quickly learned that consistent communication with others, both during and after classes, was crucial for positive learning outcomes.

The Assignment That Changed Everything

February 2025 found me sitting in Professor Tom Schwartz’s Theology 454: Knowing God course, staring at what seemed like a straightforward assignment. We were tasked with creating a five-day devotional booklet that would explore various aspects of God through Trinitarian theology. Each day needed to incorporate biblical scriptures and quality source quotes, while leaving space for readers to reflect on how the content inspired them personally.

I won’t lie, the writing process initially made me nervous. However, through prayer and meditation, I found that planning became much easier than I expected. What made this assignment even more meaningful was a prophetic word I’d received the previous year. My spiritual friend, brother, and fellow musician Manuel D. Rodríguez (a gifted trumpet player) had told me that I would soon be writing a five-day devotional. When I saw this exact assignment listed in Professor Schwartz’s syllabus, I immediately called Manuel with excitement. That confirmation launched me into focused preparation, prayer, and research.

The topic practically chose itself: understanding who God truly is. The Trinity sits at the very core of Christian faith, revealing how God chooses to make Himself known to us. This theme allowed me to explore one of Christianity’s most complex yet crucial doctrines, helping believers grasp the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct persons existing as one divine essence. I knew that correctly understanding the Trinity would be essential for anyone wanting to worship God as He truly is while avoiding common theological misconceptions.

From Assignment to Published Work

Here’s what nobody, including me, saw coming: this classroom assignment was about to become a published book. The whole thing still feels like a divine setup. A few months after I submitted my devotional, Manuel called me with exciting news. He had used my devotional in one of his classes, and the response was overwhelming. “The people were like, ‘Oh WOW!'” he told me. “Man, you need to put this devotional book out there.”

I remember saying “okay” to his suggestion but not really following through at first. The class assignment happened in February 2025, and by May 19th, 2025, the book hit the shelves. The speed of that process still amazes me.

Looking back, I realize that Professor Tom Schwartz played a pivotal role in this journey, even though he didn’t know it at the time. His course didn’t just inspire the devotional that became my book, it provided the academic foundation and spiritual framework that made the whole project possible. That’s exactly why I dedicated the book to both Grace Christian University and Professor Schwartz. His teaching went far beyond educating me about knowing God; it equipped me with the tools and confidence to help others in their own journey of knowing God.

The motivation to actually publish came entirely through Manuel D. Rodriguez, founder of the Worshiping Musician School. While I felt called to share this work, I had absolutely no idea how to navigate the publishing world. During another prayer session, the Father impressed on me to ask Manuel for help with the entire process. His immediate and enthusiastic “yes” opened the door for everything that followed.

The Heart of the Devotional

“A Five-Day Devotional Exploration: The Triune God” guides readers through five carefully crafted aspects of our Triune God, each designed to deepen understanding and inspire worship.

Day 1

The Eternal Dance of the Trinity begins where all of Scripture begins, with the simple yet profound declaration that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This opening statement lays the foundation for understanding the Trinitarian nature of the divine. Through meditation on the Godhead’s creative work, readers can open their hearts and minds to glimpse the eternal dance of perfect love and communion that exists between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Day 2

The Relational God explores how relationality forms the very heart of our Christian understanding of the Triune God. The three Persons of the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, exist in dynamic, interpersonal communion characterized by perfect love and unity. What makes this even more beautiful is that the Triune God’s relational nature isn’t confined to the internal life of the Godhead but extends outward to encompass the entire created order, including each of us.

Day 3

The Self-communicating God delves into the Christian doctrine of divine revelation, emphasizing the truth that the Triune God is inherently self-communicating. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always existed in a dynamic relationship of mutual self-giving and self-expression. The incarnation of the Son, Jesus Christ, represents the absolute pinnacle of God’s self-communication to humanity.

Day 4

The Transcendent and Immanent God addresses one of theology’s most beautiful paradoxes, how the Triune God can be simultaneously transcendent and immanent. He is infinitely exalted above all creation yet chooses to be intimately involved in our world. In the Triune God, we encounter the ultimate mystery: the One who is infinitely transcendent and profoundly “other” yet graciously draws near to each of us personally.

Day 5

The Mysterious and Revealed God concludes by acknowledging that while the Triune God is infinitely mysterious, He has intentionally made Himself known to humanity. The very nature of the Trinity, three Persons, one God, represents a profound mystery that will always exceed our finite understanding. Yet in His infinite wisdom and grace, the Triune God has chosen not to leave us stumbling in the dark but to reveal Himself in ways we can grasp and respond to.

The Impact I Hope to Make

When people ask about the biggest challenge of putting my work into the world, I always come back to one fundamental question that haunted me: “Who really wants to hear what I have to say?” That self-doubt was probably the hardest obstacle to overcome.

But the joy of seeing this project come to life far outweighed any fears I had. Now I have my first published book sitting alongside the music I’ve produced as a working musician. Being chosen as a minister of the Lord feels like an incredible blessing, especially when I consider that God could have used anyone for this work. Instead, He decided to use me to continue His work in the world, shaping and changing lives through this devotional.

The message I hope readers take away goes far beyond just understanding Trinitarian theology on an intellectual level. I want to help people move from purely theoretical knowledge of the Trinity to embracing its transformative and practical implications for their daily lives and relationship with God. My prayer is that this devotional will foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Triune God, ultimately empowering readers to live lives that actively reflect His love, unity, and purpose in every aspect of their daily experience.

Grace’s Continuing Impact

My experience at Grace has been instrumental in fostering my development both as a student and as a believer. The university provided me with knowledge and practical skills while simultaneously cultivating a much deeper relationship with God the Father. I now understand my calling through the lens of 2 Peter 1:10, which instructs us to “make your calling and election sure.” This means actively working toward securing the blessings and promises that come with being chosen by the Father, who calls people to salvation. It’s really about embracing spiritual growth while consistently doing good works.

The combination of my personal experiences, the relationships I’ve built, and my dedicated study of His Word during both personal and educational time has equipped me to serve others through writing and teaching. I often paraphrase 2 Timothy 2:15 this way: “Study to show yourself approved unto the Father, a workman who will not be ashamed, by rightly dividing the Word of truth.” This means learning to understand and interpret His Word with precision while applying it correctly in real-life situations. That foundation makes me feel genuinely equipped to serve others through both my writing and educational background.

Currently, I’m in my senior year working toward my B.A. in Criminal Justice degree. As a recent graduate (Class of 2024) with an A.A. in Leadership and Ministry, I’m also a devoted husband, father of three children, and professional musician specializing in bass guitar, composing, and producing. While I still have about nine courses left to complete my bachelor’s degree, I’m seriously considering pursuing my master’s degree afterward.

Words for Future Students

Anyone thinking about returning to school, especially through online programs, should start by getting crystal clear about their purpose for going back. Take time to research schools that truly interest you, and never underestimate the power of prayer in making this decision. Ask all the practical questions that most returning students have, like “Are my credits transferable?” and “How will this fit with my current responsibilities?”

Going back to school online can be an incredibly transformative and rewarding experience. By taking the time to plan thoroughly, prepare mentally and spiritually, and leverage all available resources, you’re setting yourself up for success. One of the most empowering aspects of online education is how it allows you to pick up exactly where you left off and finally fulfill or complete dreams that may have been put on hold for years.

A Testament to God’s Plan 

What began as a simple class assignment has become a powerful testament to the Father’s faithfulness in my life. Professor Schwartz didn’t just hand out an assignment that day, he provided an opportunity for each of us to encounter God in a deeper way and then share that encounter with others who need it. Grace Christian University didn’t just offer me an education, it provided a platform for ministry that I never could have imagined.

To God be all the glory. This devotional book, my continuing education, my music career, and my calling as a minister are all interconnected parts of His perfect plan. Grace Christian University and Professor Tom Schwartz served as willing instruments in His hands to help bring this vision to life.

May this work stand as a testimony of faith, and the incredible power of God’s plan working through ordinary people who say yes to His calling. Grace and peace to all who read this.

Check out Willie’s five-day devotional.  A Five-Day Devotional Exploration: The Triune God

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