Title:

Called to the Church: Hunter Grant's Year in Ministry

Episode Summary:

Hunter Grant joined Grace Community Church as our very first pastoral resident — and after ten months learning from every corner of the ministry, he's stepping into his first full-time pastoral role at Bethany EC Church in Creswell. In this conversation, Hunter reflects on what seminary doesn't prepare you for, why he walked away from a future in IT to pursue ministry, and what it really looks like to be called by God into pastoral work. Whether you're exploring ministry yourself or just curious about what pastors actually do all week, this one's worth your time.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What GCC's pastoral residency program actually looks like day to day — and why it exists
• Why Sunday is only about 10% of a pastor's actual role, and what fills the rest of the week
• How Hunter sensed God redirecting him away from a career in IT and toward ministry
• What changed in Hunter when he stopped telling himself he "just wasn't an organized person"
• How the residency connects future pastors with real ministry networks before they step into a role
• Why slowing down and sitting under experienced leaders is often the wisest first step for young ministers
• What Hunter and his wife Emma need prayer for as they enter a new season of life, ministry, and parenthood

Key Quotes:

"The biggest lesson I learned throughout this residency is that I cannot do this alone. Pastoral ministry can only be done through the power of Christ working through me." — Hunter Grant

"I went to orientation and felt completely empty — I could tell the Spirit was not in agreement. I remember weeping that night, and I applied to Huntington University and just told the Lord, 'If this is your will, I'll go.' I got an acceptance letter before I even woke up the next morning." — Hunter Grant

"Sunday is like 10% of the role. Being here full time, you really get to see the calling on the pastor's life and the shepherding that they do." — Hunter Grant

"It's a long-term investment. Almost every other job — you don't just jump right in. You're always sitting under someone for an extended period of time. I don't think ministry should be any different." — Hunter Grant

"Even to the very end, people came up and said, 'We stood up the first time you came on stage to pray for you, and we still pray for you every night.' That's something I think we'll never forget." — Hunter Grant

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

• GCC Pastoral Residency Program — Grace Community Church's hands-on ministry training program, now welcoming three residents in the coming year
• Bethany EC Church of Creswell — Hunter's new church home, where he'll serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults

About the Guest:

Hunter Grant grew up in Ohio in a family catering business, competed at the state level in computer coding, and once expected to build a career in IT. God had other plans. After a clear sense of calling the summer after high school graduation, Hunter enrolled at Huntington University to study youth ministry. His senior year, he connected with Grace Community Church through his now-wife Emma, and was invited to become GCC's inaugural pastoral resident. Over the course of ten months, he rotated through nearly every ministry department at GCC — from pastoral care to communications — and completed the EC denomination's pastoral assessment process. Hunter begins his role as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Bethany EC Church of Creswell on June 1st. He and Emma are also expecting their first daughter.

About the Know and Follow Podcast:

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6 PM, Sundays at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, and 11 AM. Learn more at gccws.net.