What will I experience as a GRTS student? What classes will I take? How will the professors help me through my program? What is so exciting about Grand Rapids? Gain some valuable insight on GRTS and Grand Rapids from the perspective of current students!
Matt DeHoog
M.A. Counseling
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2014
Why did you choose to come to GRTS?
GRTS was recommended to me by a friend that graduated in the M.A. Counseling program at GRTS a few years ago. Overall, GRTS made sense for me. The combination of a great location that is close to my Young Life area, a Christian focus in counseling, and high recommendations from friends made the decision to go to GRTS an easy one.
Describe your favorite GRTS experience:
I enjoyed the support I received from the Admissions Counselors when I was first getting started. Ashley Nichols, one of the Admissions Counselors, helped me plot out my classes so that I can continue to work full-time in ministry and complete the program within a few years.
Tell us a little about your long-term vocational goals:
I hope to continue to do full-time ministry as an Area Director in Young Life while developing transitional coaching opportunities with people that are experiencing job loss/life stage transitions.
What GRTS class have you enjoyed the most? Why?
I thoroughly enjoyed Consulting with Dr. Lehman. In this class we were taught basic counseling skills that have been extremely helpful in Young Life ministry.
Ben Phebus
Master of Divinity
Expected Graduation Date: May 2015
Why did you choose to come to GRTS?
GRTS has a history and reputation as a solid institution for ministry training and academic excellence. I have known several graduates of GRTS who relayed both the challenge and benefit of being a GRTS student and they encouraged me to give it a try. My wife was interested in pursuing counseling so GRTS was a perfect fit for us.
As a student I have appreciated the biblical foundation that we stand on as an institution and the denominational diversity that is represented by the student body. While having a single clearly defined answer for every question would be simpler, I have appreciated having different perspectives represented regarding various issues. This environment has given me new respect for other people's traditions, and it has taught me to respond to different perspectives with greater reasoning and graciousness.
Describe your favorite GRTS experience:
My favorite part of being a part of GRTS has been getting to know the other students in my classes. I am confident that the relationships that I have been blessed with during my seminary experience will be a great asset as I move out from here. I have a list of friends I would feel comfortable and confident to call for help and support in the most challenging of ministry circumstances.
What makes you excited about ministry?
I am excited to live a life of purpose. While treasure on earth would be nice, I want to store up treasure in heaven. All Christians have been called to seek first the kingdom of God and I feel greatly privileged to pursue this calling in full-time service to the church.
Describe the professors' role in your experience at GRTS:
Small class sizes at GRTS allow for personal relationships with professors. This has been an amazing experience as they have come to know me well through our interactions inside and outside of class. There are several professors that I feel comfortable enough with to ask for help in my personal life and ministry. In this way the GRTS experience extends far beyond facts into real life and ministry training.
Want to read more about GRTS from a student perspective? Check out previous student profiles!