Name: Gary Hale
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Academic Program: Ministry Leadership
My family: Single
My church: Eastlake Community Church
My ministry: I’m the Youth Pastor at ECC in Bothell, WA. We’re a 4 year old church that has grown to over 3,000. I’m the first ever youth pastor for the church. It’s been like planting a youth church within a church plant. Quite an adventure! I’ve been on staff here for a year and a half and have approximately 100 students in attendance each week. It’s been hard to grow a youth ministry from scratch, but it’s been worth it to see students meet Jesus, be baptized and enjoy church!
One word that describes me: Awesome … haha 
In my spare time: I play ice hockey, teach guitar, watch The Office and Friday Night Lights, play tennis, piano. I also love reading.
Favorite Bible verse: Acts 17:28
Spiritual hero: Jesus
Vision: The vision for my youth ministry is that “no one should be left out.” Most teens feel like they are out of place and don’t know their identity. So, my hope is to create the most welcoming youth group out there where students will feel like they fit in somewhere … and offer them hope in this life through Jesus.
Why I applied to Rockbridge Seminary: I never want to stop learning and heard good things about Rockbridge. I loved the aspect of being able to work full-time in a church while continuing my education. I give you mad props, Rockbridge!
What I like most about Rockbridge Seminary: Flexibility in scheduling my coursework and how applicable the classes are. The projects and assignments we do directly relate to my ministry … it doesn’t get any better than that.
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