Choosing the path

In high school, Brent Bailey began feeling the call of God on his heart for ministry.  At the same time, he considered engineering.  He was good at science and math and thought it would be a safe career choice. Brent had mentors who helped him discern the difference between a path of study based on what he passionately wanted to do, even though it was somewhat unknown, and choosing the path of least resistance.

Why ACU?

As valedictorian and a National Merit Finalist, Brent could have had his pick of prestigious universities around the country.  But a key to his decision was hearing from ministry professionals that the Bible department at ACU was the best place to pursue his dream.

In light of his many college options, Brent did have friends who asked, “Really? ACU?”  But he speaks with excitement about how his choice has been confirmed.  “There was something about the faith environment at ACU, and it’s actually surprised me – it’s been greater than what I was expecting!  There is stuff happening outside of chapel and Bible classes that led me to believe there was a thriving faith community here, and I’ve seen that in so many ways.” 

Brent also spoke of ACU’s exceptional academic quality.  “I even wondered coming here whether I was going to take a step down academically.  But I have been challenged, especially with my work in the Honors Program.  I have been academically stretched and pushed more than I expected.”  He’s also been active in campus activities like the Freshman Action Council, Sing Song, and Student Ambassadors.

Funding a dream

Financial aid was a significant part of Brent’s choice to attend ACU.  He receives a National Merit Finalist scholarship, Bible department scholarship, and two additional scholarships awards.  Brent reflected on this financial help:  “The scholarships I received were absolutely a blessing!  Without the National Merit scholarship, I don’t think I could have come to ACU…it opened a door that would have been closed otherwise.”

Brent put it very eloquently when he said, “I see my scholarships in the same way that I see funds raised for mission work: they are a vital part of ministry.  My education would not have been available without the generous scholarships I received, much like a missionary would be stranded without financial supporters.  Supporting scholarships is so much more than writing checks; it’s investing in future ministry, which has the potential to bear eternal fruit.” 

Who on campus has been key to your development?
Randy Harris.  His teachings made me reconsider things I had always just accepted in my life.  Being in his class really challenged my faith and allowed it to grow to new levels.  Also, Gary Green has been very influential as well, both as a professor and as part of the ministry team at Southern Hills, where I attend.  Being around him and seeing his example, on top of listening to his stories of mission work in Venezuela, has really impacted me.

What’s next?

During Brent’s career at ACU, he’s had amazing internship opportunities in youth ministry and campus ministry.  In the summer of 2009, he traveled to Papua New Guinea to work with a team from Pioneer Bible Translators.  And he’s currently helping his fellow students navigate the intricacies of Greek as a tutor.
 
Brent closed by saying, “I see ACU as this collection of real, radically-changed Christians who love each other, and seeing how love can now motivate them to serve the world and serve each other.”  It’s exciting to think of how Brent, and many other ACU students like him, will change our world for Christ.