Ethan Taylor spent years searching for answers about who he was and what his life was meant to be. Today, he walks the University of Arkansas campus helping students wrestle with those same questions — and pointing them toward the hope that reshaped his own life.
“I get to witness firsthand how God’s moving in these college students. He really is doing something incredible on this campus and campuses all across the world,” Taylor said. “It’s my favorite thing in the world, and I just love my job.”
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Taylor serves with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the University of Arkansas while pursuing a master of theology degree through Cross Theological Seminary, a ministry of Cross Church. Together, those opportunities are allowing him to grow as a ministry leader while serving on one of Arkansas’ largest mission fields.
Hole needing to be filled
Adopted as an infant, Taylor spent much of his life searching for answers about his identity and purpose. Those questions often left him battling anxiety, depression and a lingering sense that something was missing.
“There was a hole in my heart that I just kept seeking to fill,” Taylor said.
That search continued into college, where he took a job at a Christian camp. It was there, Taylor said, that he realized he did not yet have a personal relationship with Christ. “I went on to give my life to Jesus, and it changed my life forever,” he said.
Not long afterward, he sensed God calling him into ministry.
As he grew in his faith, Taylor became convinced he needed theological training to prepare for whatever God had ahead. After completing his undergraduate degree, he began exploring seminary options and was introduced to Cross Theological Seminary in Northwest Arkansas.
The seminary’s mission to equip pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders immediately resonated with him.
During his admissions interview, Taylor was asked why he wanted to attend.
‘Called’
His answer was simple.
“I’ve been called, but I haven’t been equipped.”
Today, seminary education and ministry experience go hand in hand.
While studying theology and ministry at Cross, Taylor is simultaneously serving students at the University of Arkansas, helping them navigate questions about faith and encouraging them to grow as disciples of Christ.
He has already seen God working in remarkable ways.
During a recent outreach effort, Taylor and other students approached a group of young men and asked if they could share a story. Most declined, but one student stayed behind to listen.
As Taylor shared the gospel, the student began to cry. He told Taylor his father, who had passed away a couple of years earlier, had always encouraged him to chase Jesus. He said he had been “waiting to hear that message.”
The conversation ended with the student placing his faith in Christ.
For Taylor, stories like that reinforce the importance of investing in ministry leaders who can faithfully serve where God has placed them.
“Ministry is where your feet are at,” he said. “Right now, that’s here on campus.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was originally published by Arkansas Baptist News.
