“You're becoming who you are with every decision, not every life choice.”— Joel Becker
Joel Becker grew up in a Christian home outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, but turned away from much of what he had been taught during high school. After graduation, he began reconsidering his faith and what he wanted to do with his life.
A gap year put him in a community where mentors challenged him and discipleship had a place in his daily routine. It also introduced him to the kind of work he would later do with other young adults.
His next steps included Life Action Ministries, missions experiences, and further Bible training. He wanted a firmer understanding of Scripture, and chose opportunities where he could study while participating in ministry. At Great Commission Bible Institute, that included becoming involved in a local church community.
Working with people in those settings changed how he understood leadership. He learned to give attention to people without first measuring their position or influence. Later, serving as a resident leader in a gap year program required him to take initiative while he was still learning himself.
At Arrowhead Bible Camp, Joel’s responsibilities brought those experiences together. Recruiting, mentoring, facilitating curriculum, and helping students live and work in community all gave him occasions to draw on what he had learned—and to recognize questions he had once asked.
His graduate studies through Anchor Christian University were connected to that work. Ministry responsibilities provided subjects for study, and faculty coaching gave him another place to examine his decisions and approach to leadership.
Joel’s route included several programs and organizations rather than a single uninterrupted campus experience. As he works with students considering their own next steps, he can speak from experience about choosing a learning environment, receiving mentoring, and accepting responsibility before feeling fully ready.
