Kellee Popp

Fund Development Director for Christian Non-Profit

Christian Ministries, B.A. '07

The Christian Ministries department is a gem of a department and it will not only shape you academically but spiritually and emotionally as well. I felt very prepared to step into full-time ministry — from my classes on organization and administration, to public speaking, to teaching, to understanding youth culture.

How did your program at Biola prepare you for your career?

I felt very prepared to step into full-time ministry — from my classes on organization and administration, to public speaking, to teaching, to understanding youth culture. It was a great array of training that I received. I was thankful that the professors had full time ministry experience themselves so I was able to learn a great deal from them.

I wish there could have been more offered for those stepping into smaller ministries. I felt that there was an assumption we'd join a large established church ministry, whereas I helped start a nonprofit ministry. Training and perspective on that would have been helpful. However my foundation for ministry in general has carried me the past 15 years.

I'm so honored to have been part of launching and growing the National School Project Ministry since my time as an undergrad student in 2004. To date, we have coached over 250 high school and middle school Christian clubs to lead a gospel movement on their campus, equipping them to share their faith with their school. I love what I do. For more information on our ministry, please check out nationalschoolproject.com

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

I appreciated very much the foundation in the Word that I received. The chapels, Bible classes, Christian ministries classes — they all prepared my heart and mind to continue to serve the Lord in the years to come and throughout my life. I am very impressed with the culture that Biola has created in the school, encouraging students to serve the Lord with their lives. And I'm super grateful for the friendships I made. My best friends today are my Biola friends.

How did Biola equip you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

With Torrey Memorial Bible Conference, Missions Conference, professors that lived their lives for Jesus, RDs, etc, I was challenged to really live out my faith, not just say that I did. I really took my walk with the Lord seriously during school and God really solidified my faith while at Biola. I want to be someone that truly impacts the world for the Lord Jesus Christ and have been serving him since graduating.

What advice would you give to students considering your degree program?

Do it! The Christian ministries department is a gem of a department and it will not only shape you academically but spiritually and emotionally as well. But I challenge you to take it seriously. The books you read and the papers you write will be far more helpful to you if you really invest in them, pray through them, and let God shape your heart and philosophy of ministry in the process.