06/18/2026
Where are they now? 🌱
Meet Sam, from the Missio College class of 2021!
"I am now a full-time youth pastor and elder at Highland Church in Cody, Wyoming. We are a 5 year old church plant that is growing and seeing God do wonderful things in our congregation and community. I have the pleasure of caring for 60 students and a dozen leaders in our youth program. Every week I get to teach and preach every Wednesday night, lead worship, and facilitate small groups. It is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever been a part of to watch students fall in love with Christ and be satisfied in Him. On top of that I love being able to take students into the great mountains of Wyoming and Yellowstone. There is no discipleship like fishing with your students like Jesus or standing over a 800lb elk you and your student just harvested."
How did Missio contribute to your vocation?
"When I came to Missio as a freshman, I was full of passion and conviction for ministry. I knew God had made me a pastor but possessed very little knowledge of how to embrace that call or do it effectively. Missio helped me tremendously by refining those passions, and helping me become even more confident in the Lord’s calling on my life. Being in full-time ministry has caused me to look back at the many opportunities I had; to preach my first sermon, lead my first small group, listen in on an elder meeting, help people resolve conflict… etc. I am still far from perfect at these, but I was given so many tools and help from my professors and pastors to do this stuff well."
What's your favorite memory from Missio?
"One of my favorite memories from Missio was spending time with our incredible faculty outside of class. It was not uncommon for myself and other classmates to grab dinner at the house of our academic dean, go fishing, watch a game, work out, or play games with them pretty regularly. These times were an area of spiritual nourishment that I never expected coming in. Getting to share hardships, my passions, and create friendships with some of my amazing professors and pastors changed me from the inside out. Countless times I was prayed for, encouraged, and inspired in these moments."
