Year: Senior
Major: Church Leadership with a specialization in Children & Family Ministries
Hometown: Newport, Arkansas
Q: What led you to SAGU?
A: I was always very intrigued by SAGU. Many pastoral role models of mine came to SAGU and I always wanted to go here, but I was not fully sure of why. I attended a conference here in 2016 and during a worship service at that conference, God confirmed in my heart that this is where I needed to go.
Q: What have you been involved in on campus?
A: During my first year at SAGU, I led the Rooted group through the community outreach brand of SMA. This group focuses on equipping students to advance the work in church planting, and I got to connect with many students and local pastors while leading this group!
I went on an SMA world outreach trip to the Ivory Coast in West Africa in 2021, and it was a great experience!
I have had the opportunity to work in admissions for the past year, and it is so much fun to work alongside my friends, lead prospective students on tours of our beautiful campus, and visit other states as a SAGU Representative!
Q: What aspects of campus life have you enjoyed the most?
A: I have definitely enjoyed the free food at all of the events that are thrown on campus by different departments, organizations, and dorms. It is always fun to hang out with friends at the events, and of course to get free food!
Q: How has your experience been with your major’s department?
A: My experience with the College of Bible and Church Ministries has been phenomenal. All of the CBCM professors – past and present – have been nothing if not gracious and encouraging. I could never thank them enough for the impact they have had on my life.
Q: Have you had any professors who have positively influenced you during your time here?
Dr. Daugherty has specifically invested so much into my life and ministry. He makes sure that the content of his courses is communicated well, and he has kindly helped me to understand how to practically apply what I am learning. More than that, it is evident that he genuinely cares about his students. He celebrates when we celebrate, and grieves when we grieve. He is an extraordinary professor and minister.
Q: What drew you to your area of study? What professional aspirations and goals do you have for the future?
I actually came into SAGU as a marketing major; that lasted all of about a week. I wrestled with God for that week before changing my major to Church Leadership with a specialization in Children & Family Ministries, because God placed a passion in my heart for children’s ministry years ago. Once I graduate, I will get married in May and my husband and I will be the Children’s Pastors at Mountain Home First Assembly of God in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Q: How do you feel that your time at SAGU is preparing you for life after college?
A: In addition to my SAGU courses, I have served at local churches each semester. Through this, I have learned a lot about practical ministry and how to build and execute my own services and lead teams. I cannot wait to implement what I have learned into my own ministry!
Q: How has your faith impacted the way you view your education and in the personal goals you set for yourself?
A: My faith in God has been foundational in my studies because I know that I am called by God to minister to people, and I have a passion for reaching children with the Gospel. My faith has made me confident in pursuing my personal goals, and has helped me to persevere, even when life got tough.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
A: Build relationships here!!! Talk to fellow students! Talk to professors! Talk to RAs and dorm pastors! I cannot express how much it has improved my college experience to just have relationships with so many people all across campus. Going to college means going through a lot of change. Don’t do it alone.
Erica is receiving the training and support she needs to step into her God-given calling to children’s 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 Erica! Click here to apply today!
About the University:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. SAGU is currently in the process of becoming Nelson University. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
