By Ethan Taylor-Fillinger
Manna University would not be where it is today without Manna Church. Manna Church has played a significant role in building the foundation of Manna University, and we have the privilege of playing a key role in the Multiply movement and the mission of Manna Church. Under the guidance of Manna Church’s Lead Pastor, Chris Fletcher, a graduate and board member of Manna U, the university aims to educate, equip, and empower emerging leaders to change the world.
Pastor Chris Fletcher sees a close partnership between Manna U and Manna Church, emphasizing their shared mission to empower people and plant new churches. He believes that Manna Church’s goal of having a presence near every US military base depends on the support of Manna U, highlighting their interdependent relationship.
According to Pastor Chris, biblical higher education is essential for training church leaders. He states that “theology comes before nuance,” highlighting the importance of grounding students in the truths of Scripture. Manna U focuses not just on teaching facts but on helping students develop critical thinking skills, preparing them to face modern challenges while staying rooted in their faith.
When asked what was Chris’s biggest take away from being a Manna U student, he responded, “I was always a fairly decent writer, but I remember Dr. Crowther told me it’s not just the ability of leaders to have thoughts, it’s the ability of leaders to put their thoughts on paper that allows their thoughts to outlive them. Dr. Steven Crowther and Dr. Carlo Serrano, [who] taught me the ability to take my thoughts and put them on paper, would far outlive my ability to go and be and do and say all the stuff that God had called me to.” Chris finished this thought by saying this, “Dr. Crowther always used to say that the world needs leaders, but the world needs leaders whose thoughts are a part of the conversation. The way that we do that is we teach them to take those thoughts, put them on paper in a way that makes sense, in a way that can get published, and we invite them to the conversation.”
Looking ahead, Pastor Chris Fletcher envisions Manna U as a training ground for leaders ready to tackle pressing issues, grounded in deep biblical understanding. For those considering further education, he encourages taking that first step, emphasizing that overcoming hesitation is crucial for personal growth. “You can start somewhere and finish another place. You can start and not finish. I think that the most challenging thing for people to do is to start. I think what you discover when you start is you actually have the sticky matter; you have the action that allows you to continue to think about what’s next.”
Pastor Chris Fletcher expresses that Manna U is dedicated to providing biblical education that transforms lives. The partnership between Manna Church and Manna University highlights the power of working together to shape future church leaders. He emphasized the importance of starting the journey of learning, no matter where you begin. As Manna University continues to educate, equip, and empower students, it reinforces the idea that every step in education brings us closer to making a real impact. Together, Manna Church and Manna University are not just imagining a better future – they are building it, one leader at a time.
