For Ben and Sammi, the path to ministry didn’t begin in a classroom; it began in their home church.
First Church of God in St. Joseph, Michigan, is a community that has played a foundational role in shaping not only their faith but their sense of calling. Surrounded by invested leaders, supportive mentors, and opportunities to serve, they each began to recognize that God might be leading them into something more.
For Sammi, that realization took shape through worship. Curious about her call to ministry, she began serving as a vocalist during her senior year of high school. Under the mentorship of her sister-in-law, Lindsey, and later the church’s worship pastor and now soon-to-be father-in-law, Chad, Sammi was discipled in both skill and calling. It was through those relationships and the church community that she was ultimately introduced to MACU.
Ben’s story carries a similar thread. As the son of the worship pastor, he had been involved in church ministry from a young age. “Serving on the worship team over the years and staying involved in church is what helped me keep my faith and start thinking about what a future in ministry could look like,” he said. About halfway through his senior year of high school, that calling became more intentional, and a visit to MACU confirmed what he already sensed: this was where he was meant to grow.
At MACU, both Ben and Sammi stepped fully into campus life and leadership. As underclassmen, they both served as student chaplains, and by their junior year, they stepped into a shared role as worship chaplains. Continuing to invest in the spiritual life of campus, they have remained deeply involved in the Chapel worship team, and Sammi has recently joined the Student Government Association.
Their shared passion for worship and ministry has extended beyond campus through their work at Crossings Community Church. Since 2023, they have been gaining hands-on ministry experience as worship interns, traveling between campuses, leading vocally, and learning the rhythms of ministry in different congregational settings. Sammi expressed that each location has its own personality. “While they are all different, they have shared values and goals with the heart that each person has space to find and follow Jesus.”
Ben echoed that impact, describing their time at Crossings as an opportunity to experience all sides of ministry. “It’s taught me the importance of having a servant heart,” he explained. Worship isn’t just a moment on stage; it’s “needed in a lot of areas at a lot of times.”
Together, their experiences at MACU and Crossings have not only developed their gifts but also deepened their understanding of what it means to lead, both individually and alongside one another.
Just as significant, has been the support that made those opportunities possible. Through church partnerships and generous scholarships, both Ben and Sammi have been able to pursue their callings without the overwhelming financial burden that often accompanies higher education. Support from their home church, along with multiple ministry-focused scholarships, has allowed them to focus more fully on formation, learning, and ministry preparation. Sammi shared, “These have been so immensely helpful for me by relieving a lot of stress that I could have had and allowed me to come to school out of state with minimal extra fees.” Ben added that ministry isn’t always a high-paying field, and knowing that people believe in and support students pursuing it means everything. “I’m incredibly grateful.”
At the heart of their experience at MACU has been not just what they’ve done, but who they’ve become. Sammi explained, “At MACU, I have seen God impact my life in so many ways. MACU has provided a safe space for me to learn about God and grow in relationship with Him,” reflecting on the environment that has allowed her faith to flourish. Ben similarly emphasized how both relational and academic experiences have drawn him closer to God, explaining that learning theology helped him better understand the “why” behind his faith and, in turn, deepened his relationship with Him.
For both of them, Campus Pastor Kevin Dugay has been one of the most influential voices in that journey. Sammi described how his leadership continually points her toward a more personal and intimate relationship with God, while Ben shared Kevin’s influence on what it means to be a disciple and on how to evangelize and love others. “I would
say that if it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be today.” Through meaningful relationships, intentional discipleship, and both spiritual and academic formation, MACU has played a significant role in shaping who they are becoming.
As graduation approaches, Ben and Sammi are preparing for what comes next—together. They will serve as Graduate Residents at Crossings Community Church through 2027, continuing to grow in leadership and ministry experience. Beyond that, they hope to pursue ordination as worship pastors, remaining open to wherever God leads.
“We’re willing to go wherever He takes us,” Sammi said. “We’re just excited to be part of what He’s doing.”
Their story reflects what can happen when calling meets community, when churches invest in students, when scholarships remove barriers, and when a university commits to forming both the heart and mind for ministry.
Ben and Sammi came to MACU with a sense of calling. With the support of their church, education, and community, they are now stepping into that calling—equipped, supported, and ready to serve.