Introducing the Class of 2022

At the beginning of this month, we kicked off the 23rd academic year of the Sovereign Grace Pastors College. Below you can see the names and pictures of our students. What you can’t see are the stories behind these names and faces. It has been humbling to learn of the roads these folks have travelled to the PC, the challenges they’ve encountered, the sacrifices they’ve embraced, the faith they’ve exercised. All of this has increased our expectations, already high, for what the Lord has in store for these men, their wives, and their families.

This year we have eight students, ranging in age from 24-40. Seven are married, one is single. They bring with them 13 children, two born in the past three months and one on the way, due in January. For the 2nd year in a row we have a 2nd generation PC student—Philip Vanderweide, whose father Brian graduated from the very first PC class I had the privilege of leading in 1999 (when Philip was seven). Hailing from seven different churches and coming from a range of backgrounds, they have all arrived obviously eager to embrace the opportunities this year will afford for learning and growth.

Let me introduce you to the class of 2022.

PC class of 2022.jpg

Back row: Tim Owens (Pasadena, CA) • Gabriel Magill (Philadelphia, PA) • Matt Groen (Sioux Falls, SD) • Philip VanderWeide (Glen Mills, PA)

Front row: Merrick Potter (Copley, OH) • Eddie Spuler (Arnold, MD) • Caleb Collins (Louisville, KY) • Mark Christenson (Sioux Falls, SD)

All of our labors and good intentions profit nothing without the Lord’s hand of blessing. Would you please join us as we pray for our students and their families? We’re asking that: 

  • A hunger for God and his Word would be kindled and burn bright and continuous throughout the year;

  • Marriages and families would be strengthened and find new life and joy and godliness;

  • Minds would expand and grasp truth and its contours and relationships and implications;

  • A passion and faith for God’s purposes in the local church would be galvanized;

  • Gifts for ministry would be discovered and sharpened and empowered;

  • Dimensions of God’s calling would be discerned and vision for ministry clarified and inflamed;

  • Teachers would be strengthened and sharpened and graced to teach their courses like never before;

  • In everything, every context and in every way, Christ would be magnified in every mind, heart, and life associated with the Pastors College. 

It is a privilege to partner together with the churches of Sovereign Grace in the training of these dear folks for the work of ministry. Thank you so much for your encouragement, prayers, and support.

Jeff Purswell