Keith Miller's time at Evangelical did more than prepare him to be a pastor. It prepared him for leadership, too. And in the years since graduation, Keith has had ample opportunity to lead. Besides pastoring churches, including Lancaster Faith E.C. for 13 years and his current charge, Brownstown E.C., Keith has worked with youth through International Christian Endeavor and Twin Pines Camp.

"Evangelical has helped me to see beyond the ministry of the local church and realize that we are a 'world' church," Keith says. "My time at Evangelical was led by men who understood ministry and were able to help me in practical, as well as academic ways. There is no doubt that I still carry today, the influence and heart of Evangelical."

Ellen Gigliotti has been in full-time private therapy practice at King Street Church in Chambersburg, PA, since graduation. In that time, she has worked toward additional certifications in Christian sex therapy and to become an approved supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She's also become qualified as an educator for multi-day workshops through the Institutes for Sexual Wholeness in Atlanta, GA, and is working with ISW authors to develop workshops. Eventually, this training will lead to certification as a Christian sex educator through the Christian Association of Sex Educators.

"Evangelical made it possible for me to find my place in the body of Christ where I could reach out to hurting couples and bring healing to relationships and hearts," she says. "I love that the Biblical basis coupled with the excellent therapy training has helped me lead others into loving God and others more."

Jeff Schell is celebrating 25 years ministering at Trinity E.C. Church in Manheim, PA, where he has served the community and denomination in various roles. He's been in leadership with the Manheim Ministerium and is a charter member of the Manheim Youth Aid Panel, which helps youthful first-time offenders.

"The best part of my ministry is introducing people to Jesus and helping them grow in their Christian life," he says. "It is also a joy working with other gifted people in the church and in the community."

Since graduation, Jonathan Owen's focus has shifted from congregational ministry to a cross-cultural call. In August, after much prayer, study and support-raising, Jonathan and his family moved to Malawi, Africa, where Jonathan will teach at Evangelical Bible College of Malawi, for at least the next three years.

"The best part of this journey has been seeing God work through circumstances, wise and godly mentors, training, and within our spirits to give us a sense of call and timing for this move to Malawi," he says. "He has confirmed to us, over and over again, that He is behind this."

Jonathan's education goes with him. "Without my training at Evangelical, I would have neither the confidence to teach nor adequate preparation to be able to teach at a school like EBCoM," he says. "I am thankful for so many professors who not only taught me well, but who also served as role models for the kind of teacher I want to be. I'm also thankful for Evangelical's emphasis on education for the purpose of ministry, rather than primarily for personal accomplishment, theoretical knowledge, or career advancement. This emphasis continues to motivate me to serve God, the Church, and other people wherever God leads us."

As a chaplain on active duty with the U.S. Army, Josh Metz is in the unique position of being one with the people he serves. "One of the best aspects of military chaplaincy is the opportunity to serve the Lord by serving soldiers," he says. "This arrangement is unique, because not only do you serve soldiers, but you become one in the process. This creates a large body of shared experience, which often forms deep and lasting bonds between congregant and pastor."

Since graduating from Evangelical, Josh and his family have served five organizations and four chapel congregations on three continents, including three combat tours to Afghanistan. They currently serve the 10th Mountain Division (Light) in Fort Drum, NY.

Josh credits Evangelical for preparing him for the challenge of military ministry. "Evangelical provided a solid biblical and scholarly formation, which prepares student to meet the challenges of a complex and ever-changing culture," he says.