Jacob Peterson

Moments…those indescribable instances where you take a deep breath and realize that God’s hand was moving despite your inability to understand His reach.  Accepting this position and taking on the role of Campus Life Area Director Elkhorn was the culmination of years of time, energy, prayer, and wondering…a million moments that seem to have led me here.

Ministry to students is about more than playing games, drinking coffee at midnight, and hanging out.  It is about being there, at those moments where the Spirit’s work comes to the surface, where the thousand thrown dodge balls and the tens-of-thousands spoken words bear their fruit.  Ministry to high school and middle school students is about availability…to be there for those moments.  As there were those for me in high school that entered my life for their own appointed moments, so do I desire to be there for those appointed moments in the lives of the students of Elkhorn.

And it is in Elkhorn, NE where Campus Life and my life journey have crossed paths.  Though I am new to the area, I find myself instantly drawn to this small community.  I have been embraced by a community of loving, warm, and passionate believers who bring excitement to this opportunity.  Not only do they celebrate the work of Christ, but they recognize the deep need of the students in their community.  In a world that bombards our youth with self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and self-esteem, Campus Life stands against the deceit of society.  We bring Hope in Christ, Trust in Christ, and Purpose in Christ.  Though rerouting the ever-flowing stream of culture is an impossible task for any one person or ministry, it is my privilege to join with Youth for Christ in a united effort to bring Christ to the individual hearts of students in the Elkhorn area.  If that means eating donuts, laughing hysterically, and hanging out with students…thosemoments are my calling. 

More about Jacob

I have been married to Melissa for over five years.  Our life has been defined by uncertainty…breaking up three times while dating, nearly calling off our engagement, and, without trying, finding ourselves the parents of a son (Copelin) and  daughter (Elyia Grace). It has been my greatest privilege and joy to be married to Melissa and to be a father.  Our unity has been formed by years of trusting…in one another…but ultimately, in the Grace of our All-Sustaining Savior. 

Beyond Christ, family, and outreach, coffee is my passion.  Not the drink…the experience.

Grew up in Osceola, NE, a town of 721 (give or take).

Bachelors of Science in Christian Education:  Grace University:  Class of 2007

Masters of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry:  Denver Seminary:  Class of 2011