Jessica Thomas 
I hated school for most of my life. That may sound strange coming from a university president, but it’s true. I loved to read. I loved to learn. I loved to think. What I hated was traditional school. I could never understand why I had to sit in class for a set amount of time and follow someone else’s predetermined curriculum. I hated … Read more
We sat down with one of our faculty members, Sean Pottorff, to ask some questions about being a professor and what it means to be part of a Christian university faculty focused on shaping the next generation. Q: Sean, what can you tell us about yourself and what courses you teach at Manna University? A: Sure, so … Read more
I hear a lot of people, especially in Christian ministry, talk about a shortage in leaders. Frankly, I don’t think there’s a shortage of leaders. What we lack are good leaders. Ethical and moral leaders. Servant leaders. Christ-like leaders. You know, the kind of leaders with character that can sustain the weight of their influence. What we lack is patience, commitment, and the posture to build those leaders at … Read more
When we hear the word chapel, a variety of images may come to mind—wedding chapels, small countryside buildings, or even large, gothic-style sanctuaries. But what does chapel mean in the context of a Christian university? For some, it may immediately bring to mind mandatory attendance, worship music, or short devotional messages. For first-time or prospective students, the concept of chapel within faith-based … Read more
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. Dr. King’s story is not simple. However, it is an invitation for us all to reckon with the kind of leadership his life demanded and the kind of formation it required. I’m the son of a Puerto Rican father and Black American mother. This places me firmly in both the … Read more
A Look Inside Manna University This question comes up in many conversations I have had as the Head of the Enrollment Department at Manna University. Many prospective and current students are curious about the curriculum and what is to be gained by attending a biblical higher education institution. When a prospective student asks the question, “What do you learn … Read more
“Leadership is hard and traumatic. Deal with it.” I formed that sentiment in year 11 of my now 21-year journey in vocational ministry. I’ve had the privilege of serving as an associate pastor, lead pastor, teaching pastor, chaplain, and professor. I’ve served at large denominational churches, storefront churches, and one of the largest churches in the United States. Regardless of the … Read more
Born and raised in Rwanda, Godfrey Ntagungira spends his days serving people through family counseling, youth empowerment and Christian ministry. Godfrey serves at his local church in the men’s ministry, “walking alongside brothers in Christ as we grow together in faith.” He also shares encouraging messages through a YouTube channel called Iwacu HopeCast, and is … Read more
For Tauri Maldonado, the journey to Manna University began long before she ever enrolled in a class. After moving from Orlando, FL to Fayetteville for her family’s first duty station, she and her husband faced a pivotal decision once he left the military: return “home,” or continue building the community God had begun for them … Read more
Michelle Bushrod joined the military right out of high school, but after medically retiring in Alaska, she and her husband moved back to Fayetteville, NC. Michelle went through the Growth Track, which resulted in her leading a small group, then becoming the Small Group Director at Manna Church Raeford Site. Eventually she came on staff … Read more
