Ellie Simpson and Eli Williams don’t share much in common. Ellie grew up in the shadow of a major city in the Midwest. Eli was raised in the valley of the Buttahatchee River in northwest Alabama. While both are juniors at Welch, Eli came to Welch from pastoring a small church, while Ellie’s dad continues to pastor a growing church in Fenton, Missouri. Ellie is pursuing a degree in business administration; Eli is studying theology and pastoral ministry as a part of Welch’s B.A.-to-M.Div. program.
Though these two students come from different backgrounds and have various academic pursuits, they share one thing in common: they wish to become leaders for Christ wherever He may ask them to go and whatever He may ask them to do. I recently had an opportunity to hear the hearts of these young leaders.
Why Welch?
Ellie: I always wanted to attend Welch. I went to a larger public high school where students are quickly forgotten, and morality is more a suggestion than a way of life. I felt very lonely in high school. While I participated in many activities (cheerleading, student council, DECA club), high school was just a stepping stone to Welch, where I found the close Christian community I craved.
Eli: I was pastoring a small church in Hamilton when President Pinson visited the area. A good friend knew I was pastoring that little church in the woods and was in the service where Dr. Pinson was preaching. My friend knew more Bible and theological training would help me, and he connected me with the president. Welch reached out immediately when they found out about me. I remember thinking, “Wow, these guys really want me! I wonder why?” I soon discovered it was because training young preachers was what they are all about. Even though I didn’t attend Welch for two more years due to the pandemic, God made it abundantly clear Welch was the place for me. And I haven’t been happier.
Welch College’s mission is to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. What about Welch’s mission appealed to you?
Eli: I was attracted by Welch’s mission because it’s my mission, too. Ever since I was a young teen, I wanted to teach and preach, which called for study. The more I learned, the more I discovered how little I knew. Imagine my surprise when I read how Welch College was dedicated to training young men and women in godly living and finding God’s call for life, whether in vocational ministry or secular occupations.
Ellie: Again, coming from a public school background, the idea of learning about theology from an academic standpoint, to study the Bible in class, was attractive to me. I wanted a smaller community where I would be surrounded by other students who held the same views as I did and grew up similarly to me.
How has Welch prepared you for service?
Ellie: I have had the opportunity to serve in many areas of student leadership during my time at Welch. Currently, I am the student body vice-president. These opportunities force me to be mindful of my free time and learn the aspects of time management. I love being a part of each position and the benefits that come along with them. I’ve had to balance my social life, academics, and work. I have learned much about workforce expectations and prioritizing the important things.
Eli: I am observant and think critically about what I see. Being at Welch College, where the Scriptures are lived out vividly, has informed me deeply of God’s expectations for His servants and provided practical examples of those standards and convictions when pursued with excellence. I am currently the student body chaplain. I have the joy and responsibility of preaching to fellow students and caring for their spiritual health and well-being.
What is the best part of being a student at Welch College?
Eli: The best part of Welch life is the community. If anybody tells you something different, they’re wrong! The students at this school, especially the faculty and staff, are committed to godliness. When you collect so many sincere believers in one place and nurture them with prayer and sound doctrine, there is a radiation of peace and love for those willing to receive it.
Ellie: Being around others searching for God’s calling in their lives has been an enormous blessing. I am often reminded how I represent Christ in my everyday life. The example I set for those around me makes me aware of my actions and words. Welch’s mission to train leaders to serve Christ is so engrained in me as I go about my studies that it shapes how I see everything I do.
What would you tell a high school student considering Welch College?
Ellie: Welch will give you the opportunity and space to grow into a godly, mature, healthy young adult with a solid understanding of faith in Christ. The Christian faith and the world of academics are not separate worlds that co-exist at Welch; they complement one another and are brought together and taught through a biblical lens. And some of the most incredible friends you will ever make will be found at Welch College. You will learn so much about yourself and what it looks like to mature in your walk with Christ.
Eli: Some of the best advice I’ve been given is, “Take action like your life depends upon it, because it will.” When we enter the real world, we become responsible for many real-world decisions previously beyond our control. When Christian teenagers attend college, they begin to make adult decisions that shape the rest of their lives. This takes discipline and discipleship. Welch College is dedicated to discipling young Christian leaders, so they can honor God and pursue Christlikeness no matter their calling. Welch College—the students, faculty, and staff—will help you grow in your walk with Christ while you are preparing to serve in His Kingdom. Trust your college years to Welch if you want to grow with excellence in a Christian community.
What would you say to a parent whose student is considering Welch?
Eli: For the sake of releasing more bright lights into the secular world, let your students be trained in the Scriptures, with the means of grace, and in an incredible Christian community, so they will be more effective salt and light.
Ellie: Be open-minded to the opportunities open to your students at Welch. Do not be deterred by the stigma sometimes attached to smaller Christian colleges. At Welch, your students will get a solid, accredited degree worth your investment. At the same time, they will be safe, well cared for, and trained appropriately for what and who the Lord wants them to be.
Abraham Lincoln commented that if given one hour to chop down a tree, he would spend 45 minutes sharpening his axe. Ellie and Eli know the value of spending the time necessary to sharpen themselves at Welch College to be more effective in Christ’s Kingdom. These young leaders are just a small example of the dedicated young men and women who make up Welch College’s Christian community of faith and learning. For more information about Welch, visit www.welch.edu.
About the Writer: Todd Parrish is vice president for instituional advancement at Welch College.
