In high school, I volunteered at my home church in Indiana as a middle school small group leader. During college, I served as a leader in the college-age ministry at a local church in Joplin, MO. I chose ministry because it’s about life change. I realize that God’s love and grace for me has been amazing, and I naturally want to share that with others in the best way I can.

I am currently a full-time ministry resident for the Online Campus at Real Life Church in Santa Clarita, CA. I chose to do a residency through Leadership Pathway because I felt that the protection and care that they offered in assisting me to find a church that was a good fit for me was unmatched.

Moving away from the people and places I knew so well to a place that is so different has definitely presented some challenges, not to mention having a pandemic thrown in the mix, but embracing any and every opportunity that has been put in front of me has been great and has allowed me to connect with others relationally. I love the people, culture, and weather, the L.A. traffic not so much.

I would tell a student who is preparing to go into ministry that two things are very important. The first is that their character and personality type is more important than their position. God’s desire is not for us to be incredible speakers or leaders. Don’t get me wrong, these are God-given gifts that he will use, but more than these things, he desires our hearts. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul makes it clear that without love, we have nothing. The second thing that I would tell a student is that you shouldn’t get locked into the ideal job or position for your future. If there has been one thing that I have learned during this residency it is that you must be flexible, adaptable, and coachable.

I’m Bailey Hunley, and this is my leadership pathway.