Name: Joel Kruggel
Graduation Year: 1975
Major: Biblical Studies
Current Position: Senior Pastor at Bethany Covenant Church
City and State: Bedford, NH
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I serve as senior pastor to Bethany Covenant Church, a multi-staff congregation serving the greater Manchester, New Hampshire region.
What is your favorite memory from CBC?
The great classes at CBC with Gary McGee, Ron Wright, and Ben Aker.
How did CBC help you identify/develop your calling?
CBC instilled within me a confirmation of calling that went from the “Could this be God’s will?” to “I am sure God wants me in ministry.”
How did your experience at CBC prepare you for life after graduation?
Biblical studies courses and Greek gave me the tools for the lifelong study of the Scriptures. That was the most valuable aspect of my education at CBC.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Study hard. Do internships. Connect with real churches in any kind of volunteer ministry possible. Take a full summer and do an in-depth internship at a church that is vital! I did a summer internship with Dr. George Wood in California in the summer of 1974 and it was life-changing for me.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates?
I would look for a heart for God, a love for people, ab excitement about the local church. Also, solid skills in biblical studies and a good understanding of church systems.