What if you didn’t have to wait until after graduation to start doing what God has called you to do?
That’s one of the things students often discover at Kingswood.
Classes matter. Learning matters. But some of the biggest moments happen outside the classroom, when students begin serving, leading, and putting what they’re learning into practice in real life.
Just ask Alice McCutcheon and Saul Fitzsimmons.
Today, they’re preparing for their wedding this summer and stepping into exciting new seasons of ministry. But their story started long before that.
Finding a Place to Grow
When Alice first came to Kingswood, she knew she wanted to serve God. What she didn’t know was exactly how that would take shape.
“I desired to be used by God and to develop the character of Christ,” she says.
As a student in the Social Justice and Evangelism (PRAXIS) program, Alice found opportunities to explore those passions in ways she never expected.
“The Social Justice and Evangelism (PRAXIS) program allowed me to grow and develop my passions further, to be used by God in ways I could have never imagined.”
Instead of simply learning about ministry in a classroom, she was able to get involved right away.
“PRAXIS provided me with an outlet to practice what I am learning in the classroom and start serving in ministry right away. I have been able to serve and partner with homeless centres, rehab programs, and other ministries focused on helping those in need.”
Those experiences helped Alice discover more about herself, her gifts, and the ways God could use her to serve others.
One Opportunity Led to Another
Saul’s story followed a different path, but it started with the same willingness to jump in and serve.
During his first year at Kingswood, he became involved at Encounter Church.
“Because of Kingswood’s intentional focus on practical ministry experience, I started serving at Encounter Church in my first year.”
What began as an opportunity to serve quickly became something more.
“By the end of that year, I was hired as Encounter’s part-time youth pastor!”
It’s the kind of opportunity many students hope for after graduation. Saul found himself stepping into it while he was still in school.
Looking back, that’s one of the things he appreciates most about his experience at Kingswood.
“At Kingswood, you don’t just fill your brain with knowledge; you learn through experience.”
Now, as he moves into a more full-time ministry role, he says he feels ready for what’s next.
“As I move into a more full-time role, I feel excited and confident that my time at Kingswood has prepared me for this work.”
Learning While You’re Living It
Alice and Saul’s stories are different, but they have something in common.
Neither of them waited until they had a diploma in hand before stepping into ministry.
They served while they studied. They learned while they led. They discovered gifts, passions, and opportunities that might never have appeared if they had simply waited until graduation.
That’s something we see often at Kingswood.
Students don’t spend four years preparing for ministry someday. They begin living it now.
Whether that’s through PRAXIS, local church involvement, internships, community outreach, or ministry placements, students are encouraged to take what they’re learning and put it into practice right away.
A Story That’s Still Being Written
This summer, Alice and Saul will begin a new chapter as they get married and continue pursuing the work God has called them to do.
Their story is still being written.
But it’s also a reminder that some of the most important growth doesn’t happen after graduation.
Sometimes it happens while you’re still a student.
Sometimes it starts with saying yes to a chance to serve.
And sometimes that one opportunity changes everything.
What Could Your Story Look Like?
Alice and Saul’s story started with a simple decision: saying yes to an opportunity to grow, serve, and see where God might lead.
Yours will look different.
But the same question remains:
What could happen if you started living out your calling before graduation?
At Kingswood, you’ll have opportunities to serve, lead, and gain real ministry experience while you study.
Explore our programs and discover where your journey could begin.