Name: Chancellor Dix (EU ’15)
Current occupation: Founder and managing director of Collab. Church in Miami Beach, Florida
What brought you to Springfield?
I’m from Oklahoma, and felt God’s call that I should move to Springfield to pursue my education. I was familiar with Springfield as my family and I would often travel through the city on family vacations. I began my Evangel journey at the James River College location. After completing my associate’s degree in leadership there, I continued on to earn my bachelor’s degree through the main campus.
How did God work in your life during your time in Springfield?
The Lord gave me a greater understanding of the calling He placed on my life to be a church planter and serve in full-time ministry. I met my wife in Springfield, and she is called to the business world. I recognized that at Evangel, I was equipped for service both missionally and practically.
It was also during my time in Springfield that I recognized the importance of being a learner. I placed myself in a posture of learning and surrounded myself with great leaders and professors who I could model and gain insight from.
How important was the community you found here in Springfield?
I met incredible people during my time in Springfield. I made life-long friends and developed deep relationships with people that even now are part of my ministry. These individuals impacted my life in a way that I can’t begin to describe, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to be included in such a great community of believers.
What was unique about your experience at Evangel?
My professors were deeply interested in me, not just as a student, but as an individual with a calling. They helped me identify my passion and consistently urged me to higher levels of excellence. They served as mentors and guides. I wasn’t just a number, but a valued member of the EU community and recognized as a person with a God-given calling.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for ministry?
I was prepared holistically at Evangel. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially, I was given the resources and tools I needed to be successful. I gained a greater perspective on what it means to be an effective leader, and grew in maturity and in my relationship with the Lord.
I sensed a call of God to be a church planter, and what started as a dream in my heart came to reality as my wife and I took steps towards that dream. We surrounded ourselves with fellow ministers and church planters who could guide us on the journey, and with their support, we are in place in a missionally-focused church today.
What would you tell a prospective student considering Evangel?
I would say get your face in this place! Visit the campus and experience for yourself the powerful community that exists at Evangel. It will be the best decision you make. Evangel will give you the tools you need to develop your dream and your calling. Be a good steward of the resources He gives you, apply yourself, and follow your passion. You won’t regret it.