Biblical studies graduate, Brendan Chance is now serving as the minister for the Alexander City Church of Christ as well as on the board of directors for Exposure Youth Camp.
Graduating from Faulkner in 2004, Chance was invited back to the university’s campus as the Distinguished Alumnus for the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies during last year’s Marketplace Faith Friday Forums.
As a student, his “spiritual giants” were his professors, who helped Chance earn his Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry in 2004.
“Brother May ran a superb department and put together a dynamic, highly qualified faculty, that were all Christ like examples to us. Donnie Hilliard was running the Cloverdale Center for Family Strengths and was a mentor and friend. His example and guidance were pivotal for me as minister. I miss him dearly. All of my professors left me with attributes or teachings that I have implemented into my 20 years of ministry,” Chance explained. “I have fond memories of spending time with my professors outside of the classroom. I don’t know if that was a unique experience compared to other programs but, it was special to me. Their example showed me the value of a personal touch. I knew they were knowledgeable but knowing they cared, that was special.”
His years spent at Faulkner also fostered many special relationships, he said.
“I met my wife at Faulkner and made lifelong friends that are like family to me to this day. The relationships that I made at Faulkner and through Faulkner connections are more precious than gold and I wouldn’t trade those memories, friendships, and connections for anything on this side of heaven,” Chance said. “Practically speaking, my degree prepared me as much as possible for a career in youth ministry. The Biblical instruction gave me a foundation and the opportunities associated with being a ‘Bible Major’ at Faulkner gave me much needed experience.”
As the minister at the Alexander City Church of Christ, his duties are preaching, teaching, visiting, outreach, planning and executing programs.
“I enjoy working with the people and being there for them through the peaks and valleys of life. I enjoy when I see the congregation respond positively to a challenge set before them,” Chance said. “1 Thessalonians 3:2 says, ‘and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.’ I am to follow the example of being a ‘fellow worker in the gospel of Christ.'”
He and his wife Jenny have three daughters, Katie Brooke, Lane, and Abby. Jenny currently teaches at Alabama Christian University where his three children also attend school. Chance is working on his master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Auburn University.
