Classes with Corban University and Western Seminary, both hosted at Mars Hill Schools, kick off this fall and students are squaring away their applications now. Christa Giblin-Niven recently received notice that she would be a part of the christening class, having been accepted to Corban University at the Seattle Teaching Site.
We asked Christa to give us an idea about who she is, where she’s coming from, and where she wants to go with Mars Hill Schools.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am 44 years old. I have a degree in Child Development from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. I also completed some M.Ed. work in Youth Development Leadership at the University of Minnesota and a Business Leadership Certificate at Cornell University. I am very excited to be entering this program and will simultaneously be pursuing an MBA through Corban online.
Why Mars Hill Schools?
We moved to Seattle last October, but have been listening to Mars Hill sermons for quite some time. We have experienced deepening to our faith that we know is the result of our time with Mars Hill. Attending services is like going to school and I am just longing for more understanding of the Scriptures and of God’s plan for his people. I believe that attending Mars Hill Schools is what God is calling me to do at this time and I have complete faith that I will grow closer to him through this experience.
What are you most excited about?
I am very much looking forward to growing closer to the members of our church family as well as God through participation in Mars Hill Schools. Each opportunity to become involved in our church has brought me such tremendous blessing, be it service on Sunday, serving at larger church functions like Easter weekend, joining a community group or a women’s study—all of these pieces have created for me a much fuller and richer walk with the Lord. I truly couldn’t be more excited.
Are you familiar with the professors? Is there any one in particular you’re looking forward to learning from?
I have been learning about the teachers at Mars Hill Schools and am particularly excited about the Spiritual Formation class with Leroy Goertzen and also the apologetics class with Pastor Mark.
How did you hear about this opportunity?
I heard about Mars Hill Schools at church on Sunday. I felt immediately called to respond and wrote to Corban the same day that it was announced.
What are your goals with the program you’re entering?
My goal for this year is to complete the Bible Certificate program while also pursuing the MBA at Corban. While I would like to continue on to eventually earn not just the MBA, but possibly a Masters of Divinity, I will wait on the Lord to see where he brings me.
The application deadlines for Western and Corban are quickly approaching: July 14th and August 15th, respectively. For more information or to apply, visit marshill.com/schools.
