Year: Final year of Doctoral Study
Major / Area of Study: MDIV, Biblical & Theological, DMIN Leadership & Creative Communication
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
Alex is working on completing a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Communication through SAGU’s online program. Alex’s passion for reaching the marginalized is reflected in his work as a full-time missionary in the inner city of Louisville, KY. Together with his wife Destiny, he plans to use his degree to reach the lost, train up more leaders, and continue to plant inner city churches and communities.
Q: What led you to SAGU? I had finished my bachelors degree and considered not continuing my education as I did not enjoy my school experience at that point. My pastor recommended SAGU and challenged me to explore my options in furthering my education there. When I considered it and explored what SAGU had to offer I felt it was the right decision for me.
Q: What has your experience been with SAGU Online?
Amazing! I have absolutely loved being able to further my education while working in my ministry field. It has been a great educational experience. I love the ability to work ahead when I know I have ministry events coming up.
Q: How has your experience been with the doctoral program?
SAGU’s doctoral program has been an incredible experience. Doing a doctoral program is a journey, and thankfully this is an enjoyable one so far. SAGU has great classes for the Doctoral program, a well crafted project path which directs students well as they pursue their doctoral studies.
Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here? There are so many amazing professors who have challenged me and changed my outlook on life and ministry. Dr. Wyckoff had a huge impact on me in some of my first classes at SAGU, both challenging me for more, but with such an inspiring and encouraging perspective I wanted to challenge myself for more. Dr. Clarensau, Dr. Hayes, and Dr. Rosdahl all immediately come to mind with my time at SAGU and the time they took not only to teach and inspire me more academically, but also in my calling and walk with God.
Q: What drew you to your area of study? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future?
I have been drawn to my area of study by a desire to see lost people encounter the love of Jesus. For a long time I did not specifically know where I wanted to serve in ministry, but I desired to tell people about Jesus, and help in practical ways.
I currently have the privilege of being a full time missionary to the urban homeless, human trafficked, and inner city of Louisville. Working with rescuing people out of trafficking situations, domestic violence, and helping many out of addiction has been an incredible opportunity to help people in practical ways and share the heart of the gospel along the way.
As we go forward, our goal is to train up individuals feeling called to inner city ministry and plant inner city churches and outreaches across the country that will provide an avenue for the Word of God, and the practical love of Jesus to encounter so many in desperate need of breakthrough. This year our team will plant two more inner-city churches in Louisville, and we will hopefully be planting in a second city in 2024.
Q: How do you feel that your time at SAGU is preparing you for life after college?
My time at SAGU is the only reason I am where I am today, but more importantly it’s the reason I am who I am today. The development I received through my time at SAGU academically and spiritually helped me become the person I am today and have the relationship with God I do today.
Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and in the personal goals you set for yourself?
My faith makes education a focus point for myself and my personal goals. Paul writes to Timothy to “study to show thyself approved,” and it has been a practical step in my spiritual journey. I want to have the knowledge and understanding to direct people to Jesus better.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Don’t just attend classes to get a degree. Your education is so much more than a paper hanging from your wall or a job you’re suddenly qualified for. Embrace this season and this time; spend extra time studying; invest in understanding what you are learning. Develop relationships with your professors and let them invest in you and build you into who God is calling you to be. Have fun and create relationships with your peers; some of those relationships will last a lifetime.
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Alex is receiving the training and support he needs to step into his God-given calling in Ministry. At SAGU, we believe that God has a specific calling for each and every one of us. Through our learning community, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and real-world experience to foster your talents and pursue your purpose, just like Alex! Click here to apply today!
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their 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.
