By Brad Dupray
Justin Bilyeu on choosing Bible college and preparing for ministry
Cincinnati Christian University senior Justin Bilyeu shares how his plans shifted from studying medicine to pursuing ministry and preaching. He reflects on what Bible college has taught him, why experience matters, and how the church can better relate to culture with Christlike love.
- He describes sensing Godโs leading to Cincinnati and ministry.
- He explains how Bible college equips students, while hands-on experience completes the preparation.
- He encourages the church to engage culture without judgment, leading with love and conversations about Christ.
As a senior at Cincinnati Christian University, 22-year-old Justin Bilyeu is honing his leadership skills as captain of both the basketball and baseball teams and as a dormitory resident assistant. In his “spare time” he is a member of the golf team, too. More importantly, Justin is studying for ministry by pursuing a BA in biblical studies. Justin says, “Cincinnati has a preaching degree, but I chose the biblical studies route to go a little more in depth. Iโll use my summer internships to gain preaching experience.” Justin grew up at the Okolona Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Why Bible college?
Actually, I was going to attend Georgetown (College in Kentucky) to study medicine. I preached a lot in my youth group and the more I got to thinking about what I wanted to do and what I enjoyed, I started thinking about ministry and preaching.
How did you end up at Cincinnati?
The summer just after I graduated, having already enrolled in classes at Georgetown College, I went to a church camp with my youth group. Cincinnati Bible College had a booth set up. I really felt the Lord tug at my heart that Cincinnati, and ministry, was where I needed to be.
Has Bible college felt like an extension of your high school youth group?
Itโs a lot different. Youth group is kind of a place to hang out with friends outside of school, and Bible college is preparation for ministry. Everyone is a bit more focused on what they are doing with their lives. I think itโs phenomenal. At a Bible college, as opposed to a secular college, everyone is focused on ministry to some degree. Whether itโs studying to be a minister or to teach in a Christian school, everyone knows that all their decisions are focused on Christ. We all have that passion of serving God. To see that show itself in how people act and treat each other and talk has been both a comfort and an encouragement.
What do you want to walk away with when youโre finished with school?
A knowledge of the Bible. Not just a memorization of it, but what it means and how to read it and teach it to other people. I want them to better understand how to read Scripture so they can have a better understanding of the God we serve. Also, I want to continue to share lifelong relationships with the friends I have been so fortunate to meet through classes and sports and being resident assistant.
Is your education squaring up with what you thought you would get in Bible college?
To be honest, I didnโt really know what I was getting myself into. I knew a few friends who had gone to Bible college, but I didnโt really know what to expect. It has exceeded my expectations in the ways I have been challenged and the ways I have matured. Iโm farther along than I thought possible.
Do you think Bible college fully prepares you for ministry?
I think it does to a degree. Of course Iโve received a lot of knowledge and very useful tools that are going to help in ministry. However, ministry is a completely different animal. I have to develop certain skills and I can only do that through experienceโthrough standing in the pulpit preaching and actually participating in ministry. So Bible college does its job of preparing you, but the other side of the coin is putting what you have learned into practice.
Is there a practical way to do that while youโre still in school?
In my case, preaching opportunities have helped me learn what Iโve done well and what I could do better. Others who have a ministry while theyโre in school, use what theyโre learning in the classroom in weekend ministries.
Do you think all students are looking to be key church leaders, or are some content simply being a part of the church?
We actually have both. One of my best friends is graduating in May and wants to be a senior minister. But some other guys that I know just want to be a member of the team; maybe their ministry will be the business they serve in or something like that.
What are some key learnings that you think will best prepare you for the future?
Realizing that Christianity is much bigger than what I was taught when I grew up. Thereโs so much more to it. Simply learning how to love people and not try to force them to be who I think they should be. Loving them where they are and loving them no matter what. That is huge when it comes to ministry.
Would you recommend Bible college for everyone?
Bible college is a fantastic thing for people who want to go into ministry and people who want to teach at a Christian school. But it is not for everybody. Just because someone grows up in a youth group doesnโt mean they need to go to Bible college. The church is made up of people who are unique and diverse and have gifts and abilities that are used outside of the church, too. If someone desires to go into ministryโthen go to Bible college. But if they desire to do something else and go to school elsewhere, then thatโs fine, because Christians are needed in places other than in church-related vocations.
How do you feel about the future of the church as it relates to the culture around it?
In order for the church to be able to relate with its culture, the church really needs to know whatโs going on in the culture so we can talk about it, so people donโt look at the church as being ill-informed.
How does the church need to change to address the culture?
I think one of the biggest downfalls with the church is in being judgmental of others. We take our convictions and force them on people who donโt have the same convictions; we look down on them instead of allowing them to be different and just loving them. We need to connect with them as friends and move toward conversations about Christ. Thatโs where our biggest chasm comes right now. We all mess up, and no one wants to be told how to live. But by demonstrating Christโs love we show that the church isnโt around to look down our nose at them, but we genuinely care about them and want to see them in a relationship with Christ.
Are church leaders today prepared for what tomorrowโs leaders have to offer?
I think in part, yes. The way of thinking, the way things are done, are a bit different. What worked for the past generation might not work for the new one. You have two generations that arenโt the same, so thereโs going to be a transition period. Not conflict, but a transition period. Thatโs a good thing, because it causes us to figure out what the churchโs priorities are. Our priorities arenโt going to change, but the way they are communicated and the way the church tries to reach the community and do ministry will.
Are you satisfied with your decision to go to CCU?
Iโm ecstatic about my decision. The things Iโve learned, the people Iโve met, and the opportunities Iโve had have been absolutely fantastic.
Whatโs next for Justin Bilyeu?
Iโm graduating in May, and if a preaching internship works out, Iโll be doing that for a year. If not, Iโll go to graduate school and pursue a masterโs degree. After that Iโm not 100 percent sure. Church ministry is a definite, however. Thereโs no doubt that is where Iโll end up.
