Alumni Blog – Page 9 – Indiana Wesleyan University

April 23, 2018

Pastor of the Week: Tony Bye

By: Dezaray Barr

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Tony Bye is the Lead Pastor at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry. He graduated from Wesley Seminary in 2013 with his M. Div.

During his time at IWU, Bye was influenced by many professors. “Dr. Bud Bence and Dr. David Smith, the David Smith that passed away several years ago, were two professors that influenced my life extensively,” he shared. “Dr. Bence made church history come alive in a way that made it seem relevant to today. Dr. Smith opened my eyes to see new theological thoughts that I had never even imagined.”

Bye loved spending time in the Student Center and Wildcat. He’d like to note, “Mike Brown made an awesome bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwich!”

There have been many times in which Bye felt a moment of recognition that he was to be a pastor, “but seeing God take my life experiences, both good and bad, and use them to bring hope into the lives of others has been a huge confirmation of my calling,” he said.

Brookhaven Wesleyan Church is a wonderful church right down the road from IWU that has a long history. Bye said, “It’s also a church that is working very hard to be intentional about reaching people in our community and around the world that do not yet know Jesus Christ.”

Bye’s life verse is Philippians 3:8, which reads, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”

Some fun facts about Bye include that he loves the outdoors, and he finds himself becoming energized when in nature. Bye encourages IWU students to never stop learning. “Since the world is always changing, it is essential that we continually learn and adapt as people,” he said.

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a junior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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April 18, 2018

World Hope International: Lindsey Smart

By: Dezaray Barr

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Lindsey Smart graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) with a bachelor’s degree in Convergent Journalism and a minor in Intercultural Studies in 2013. “I wanted a Christian campus outside of the state I went to high school in,” Smart said, “and IWU offered great scholarships. I thought the campus was pretty when I visited.”

Smart’s time at IWU was full of fun. “I met great people, and I’m still friends with them today. I liked the smallness of the campus, so aside from Mexican Food Weekends, we’d just stay on campus and watch movies or stay up late in Elder Hall. I met friends in my freshman dorm and have remained friends with them, and I got along well with my communications department peers,” Smart said. She said that during the week, chapel helped her grow spiritually during her time at IWU.

Now, Smart is the Development Coordinator at World Hope International in the Washington D.C. area. “For this job specifically, it helped to have the Wesleyan connection, as its founder is Jo Anne Lyon,” Smart shared. “If I didn’t go to IWU, I don’t believe I would have gotten this job. Furthermore, the Intercultural Studies focus at school encouraged me to go into a non-profit that works overseas.”

Some fun facts about Smart are that she was born in Brazil, she’s played with penguins and her favorite movie is Jurassic Park. She’d encourage IWU students, “Network and choose internships wisely. And enjoy the friends you make.”

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April 13, 2018April 13, 2018

Comedian & Illusionist Larry Wirtz

By: Dezaray Barr

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Larry Wirtz graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2012 with a master’s degree in Ministry and Leadership. He graduated from Wesley Seminary in 2015, and he’s currently entering the dissertation phase of his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at IWU.

After graduating high school, Wirtz took a few classes from Purdue University, but he began performing full-time magic and comedy. “As scripture reminds us ‘the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it out’ (Proverbs 18:15 – NIV),” Wirtz shared. “Lifelong learning is more than a good idea, as for me, it has been a way of life. In my early twenties, I had the privilege of attending the historic Chavez College of Magic. Upon graduation, I was extended an invitation into their advanced ‘post-graduate’ course of study.”

Throughout his studies at Chavez, Wirtz still maintained a full performing calendar, but there was always a desire in him to finish a traditional college degree. “While leaning on the excuse of not having the time, I prayed to God that if it is in His plan, I would obey,” Wirtz said. “That being said, a quarter of a century later, God (in His remarkable way) removed all obstacles and objections and created the opportunity for me to pursue a higher education. As for location – I was already familiar with Indiana Wesleyan University as I had performed and spoke multiple times at Phillippe Performing Arts Center for various conferences that hosted their event on IWU’s campus. The culture and spiritual belief structure of IWU became familiar, encouraging and inviting. I am not saying going back to school as a non-traditional adult learner was void of challenges or hard work, but He has created the opportunity for me to receive additional training for His purpose.”

As a non-traditional adult student at IWU, Wirtz experience began completely online. “Building cohort relationship via the internet was a new experience. The Master’s program began on campus where personal introductions between cohort members, professors and support staff were made. This made the whole experience more personable. The Ph.D. program involves on campus experience along with on-line sessions. This has been the most personable experience as relationship have been built between cohort members as well as IWU staff as they have become a secondary family and support network,” he explained.

Now (and since the 1980’s), Wirtz works full-time as an inspiration speaker, comedian and illusionist. He explained, “I have a multi-faceted, non-traditional career that allows me to live an unplugged life. I work as an educational specialist who has presented curriculum based convocations in over 10,000 elementary, middle and high schools across the United States and Canada. As each experience reflects a various season in my life, God has taken my secular performing magic and comedy as well as my speaking experience and works continuously to transform it for His purpose. In this chapter of my life, I have found a home working with churches and faith-based organizations. Whether it is speaking, preaching or entertaining to consulting (coaching) from a Christian perspective on leadership issues and church growth, it is humbling that God is using me to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in a needy world.”

If Wirtz could share some wisdom with current IWU students, he’d tell them to stay in the boat. “The idea of taking a break may seem inviting, but creates greater challenges along the way towards the completion of your degree. Regardless of external events or academic difficulties, do your best to push through to the best of your ability, ask for help and keep Christ at the center of your studies while working towards completion of your degree,” he said. “Second, if given the option of receiving your diploma via mail or walking across the stage at graduation, I encourage you to walk. It is the culminating experience of finality of your hard work. Also, walking serves as a positive experience to those that served as your support system in your academic adventure. Your accomplishment is as meaningful to them as it is to you.”

Wirtz and his wife, Linda, have three children. Andrew is 27 and graduated from Purdue University. He is newly married and living in Alabama. Lawrence is in the tenth grade, and David is in eighth grade.

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April 11, 2018April 11, 2018

Erik & Rebecca Johnson

By: Noelle Beans

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Erik and Rebecca Johnson both attended Indiana Wesleyan University and played for IWU’s men and women’s soccer teams. Rebecca graduated in 2010 with a degree in Exercise Science, and Erik graduated the following year with a double major in Entrepreneurship and Finance. They both emphasized that their times at IWU were special for many reasons, but especially because they met each other.

Soccer was a big draw for both Erik and Rebecca as they committed to Indiana Wesleyan for participation in the program. Through their athletics and other student life, they both made their closest friends, which they are still friends with to this day. Erik and Rebecca met each other during pre-season of his freshman year and her sophomore. Rebecca said of her time with Erik, “We spent lots of long evenings together as I worked the Lodges front desk and he ‘did his homework.’”

Spiritual growth was also a major part of their story at IWU. For Rebecca, she hadn’t really been extremely involved in Bible studies or youth group before coming to college, so she soaked in all the opportunities at school, from devotions with her coach to Summits every semester to godly roommates – all these things had a huge impact on her walk with the Lord. For Erik, college was finally a time he could drift in order to find himself and make his faith his own. Like Rebecca, he had many spiritual influences that were pivotal in creating a culture at IWU where he could pursue Christ more.

Now, Erik is the Principal and Cereal Entrepreneur at J2 Marketing – the business plan of which he had the privilege to write during his entrepreneurship classes at IWU. J2 is a leading branding agency in Northern Indiana employing about a dozen “passionate, creative geniuses.” Erik also owns a custom gun holster manufacturing company called Click Holsters, as well as has equity stakes in other ventures.

He attributes his education from IWU as a significant part of what has prepared him for where he is today in his career. Erik said, “I don’t think any school, simply through classes, can fully prepare someone for a successful career after school. IWU had many opportunities to participate in activities outside the classroom.” These opportunities included work with the American Marketing Association, Students in Free Enterprise, Business as Missions and other opportunities to collaborate with students outside the classroom. To lay the foundation of his faith and the foundation of the businesses he is a part of, Erik looks to James 1:17 that reads, “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father.”

Rebecca feels blessed to spend most of her time raising their 2-year old son, Lincoln, as she knows she is “raising the next generation of world changers.” Although it doesn’t always feel this way to her, Rebecca knows she has one of the greatest and most important jobs on the planet as a mom. Rebecca said, “The decisions I make for our family every day and the values I teach our son are all found and founded in the truth of God’s Word.”

In addition to childcare, Rebecca helps run some of the business. She believes her spiritual life gives her the work ethic and perseverance to make it through the not-so-fun parts of being a business owner. She also works on the board of an adoption and fostering ministry non-profit named Village to Village Intl. Two trips to India during Rebecca’s time at IWU opened her worldview and gave her a love for travel and a heart for all things adoption.

Erik, likewise, has a love for travel, and he and Rebecca have taken several trips abroad as well as stateside – some with their son, Lincoln. In Crete, they loved cliff jumping, though Rebecca joked it may have taken her 30 minutes to actually jump.

Rebecca encouraged IWU students to enjoy their time at IWU, because it goes by faster than imaginable. “Make as many friends as you can. Take the opportunity to learn more about yourself and grow in your relationship with Christ,” she said. From a business standpoint, Erik tells students to get involved beyond the classroom within their area of study. As an employer, he looks for graduates who go beyond their school education to learn new perspectives and get experience in their field to set themselves apart from their classmates. Erik failed his English class the first time he took it. He said, “Just because you fail at some things, doesn’t mean you can’t excel in something you truly enjoy.”

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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April 9, 2018April 9, 2018

Pastor of the Week: Joel Gearhart

By: Dezaray Barr

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Joel Gearhart is the Congregational Care Pastor of Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion, IN. He graduated from Marion College (now IWU) in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Religion. “My college experience gave me an opportunity to develop spiritually and in the area of leadership,” Gearhart said. “The opportunities for spiritual growth were endless. Through classes, chapel, Spiritual Emphasis Week, and life on and off campus, God was clearly at work in my life deepening our relationship and preparing me as a Christian to serve Him.”

Gearhart’s call to ministry has been confirmed many times over. “While my path in ministry has lead in many directions and taken many forms, God’s guiding hand has been unmistakable. I have served as an admissions counselor at Marion College, a youth pastor, missionary pastor in Puerto Rico, a church planter in Chesterton, Indiana, an educator as Director of Church Relations at IWU, a hospice chaplain and now Pastor of Congregational Care at Brookhaven Wesleyan. My experiences at college and along the path of ministry have prepared me for what was to come,” Gearhart said.

“Brookhaven has been more than a place to serve,” Gearhart said, “it has been my church family. When I came to Marion, my wife was in the final months of a terminal brain tumor. The church was a support to me in those critical days as well as encouraging me as a single parent, and through other tough experiences God allowed in my life. It is gratifying to be able to encourage many in the church family who are going through difficult things now. The body of Christ is an awesome thing. God is Good!”

Some fun facts about Gearhart include that he is a leap year baby, so he’s actually only 16.5 years old. He met Bill Graham when he was a kid and served as National Director for Wesleyan Bible Bowl.

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April 7, 2018

Public Relations alum: Molly Harrington

By: Noelle Beans

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Molly Harrington graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2015 with a degree in Public Relations. She grew up in the Wesleyan Church, so Wesleyan universities were always on her radar. Her sister attended IWU, so she had the chance to visit and get to know the campus while her sister pursued her degree. When it came time for her to visit colleges, Harrington followed her older sister’s footsteps. She personally felt at home at IWU, because it felt like a good fit.

As a student, Harrington became involved in Student Government Association, a few different jobs and eventually became a Diversity Coordinator for Martin Hall. Through these activities, opportunities and positions, she was led to a great group of friends as well as a well-rounded community.

Within the IWU community, Harrington grew spiritually. The fact that she was now on her own, no longer under her parents, had a significant effect on her. Harrington said, “I needed to learn what and why I believe in things for myself.” It was a slow process, but through friends, classes and a new church, she did just that: wrestled with her faith and made it her own.

Additionally, Harrington grew academically as IWU’s communication classes gave her real life experience. She believes the Division of Communication & Theatre does a great job of connecting students with organizations and people in the community for projects. It gave her the opportunity to learn how to be a professional in a “safe environment.”

Harrington’s career is now as the Director of Scheduling (employed by the United House of Representatives) for Congressman Paul Mitchell of Michigan. She creates and maintains his daily schedule, travel plans and other office manager duties. Harrington said, “I am his gatekeeper.” She admits the intersection between faith and career can be tricky, but in her work she chooses to form her beliefs and views on things from her faith and defends them from that position.

Where Harrington is at now was never where she expected. Growing up, she always wanted to be an interior designer, and now she has found herself in politics. “It is okay if your first job out of college isn’t in your degree,” Harrington said. She is not working in the PR field, but she loves what she does and knows that she is getting experience. Lastly, Harrington encouragingly expressed for current students that, “You will eventually make it to the field you studied in, but you aren’t a failure if you don’t start there.”

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Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

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April 5, 2018

IWU Graduate Nathan Smith

By: Dezaray Barr

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Nathan Smith graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management. “I took college classes at IWU while I was in high school in Marion,” Smith said. “A traveling music group performed at my youth camp, and I got really excited about being involved in the music program like they were.”

Smith was involved in Chorale for four years, and he worked in the PPAC for three years. “I loved living on campus and participating in activities. My sister and future brother-in-law also attended IWU at the same time. Three of the guys in my wedding party were from IWU,” he said.

While a student, Smith really treasured chapel services. “The amazing worship teams and weekly speakers challenged and emboldened my faith,” he said. “There were times that I was running from God during those years, but I appreciate the strong community that supporting me in my journey and helped be the hands and feet of Christ. The University was a safe place to grow and develop in my faith.”

Now, Smith works for Lincoln Financial Group. He manages a Call Center team who handle phone calls for client’s retirement accounts. Smith said, “I also work closely with clients, I onboard new staff, and I guide projects that enhance the experiences of our staff and customers.”

During his time at IWU, Smith’s focus on local church and service empowered him to live differently even after he graduated. “Using the training and experiences I gained working with people, I’ve been very involved with volunteering in the 15 years since graduation,” he shared. “It has also been rewarding to coach college students and the under-employed on how to prepare for their careers or re-enter the workforce. I love my career, and I equally value the opportunities I get to serve.”

Outside from his professional career, Smith is an experienced actor. He was the lead actor in Fort Wayne Civic’s The Little Shop of Horrors. He’s played Charlie in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Evan Roberts in the musical Bend Us.

Smith is married with three children, all under six-years-old. Since graduation, he and his family have lived in Fort Wayne, and he dreams of traveling to Japan someday where his wife served as a missionary.

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April 4, 2018April 4, 2018

Attorney & Activist Aaron Greenwalt

By: Dezaray Barr

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Aaron Greenwalt graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and political science. Greenwalt felt led to attend IWU, and he said, “I appreciated the emphasis on developing a Biblical worldview that was woven throughout IWU’s curriculum.”

Greenwalt particularly enjoyed his junior and senior years as a student at IWU, because he became active in student government and other extracurricular opportunities. “I’m grateful that I developed several life-long friendships [during this time,]” he shared.

IWU’s spiritual environment also had a strong impact on Greenwalt’s life. While a student at IWU, his faith moved from something that was abstract to something that he made concrete and finally considered his own.

Now, Greenwalt and his father own Greenwalt Development Corporation, which focuses on commercial and industrial real estate development. He is an attorney, but does not do outside legal work. Greenwalt shared, “I focus on internal legal items regarding our development company. For example, I help prepare purchase agreements, leases, listing agreements and items related to closing real estate transactions.”

Greenwalt said, “The College of Arts and Sciences at IWU provided a solid foundation for law school at Liberty University. With my B.S. from IWU and my J.D. from Liberty, I have a unique skill set and understanding of the business community.” Outside of this unique mindset, Greenwalt also uses his Biblical worldview to impact how he and his father operate their business.

Greenwalt enjoys international travel, kayaking and riding his motorcycle. He volunteers with Kids Around the World, building playgrounds in underdeveloped areas in the world, reaching children for Christ. He is currently the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the IWU Alumni Association. He’s also the Vice President of Greenfield’s Rotary Club and the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Love Inc. of Greater Hancock County. He’s also a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the USA. Greenwalt is a member of Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church in Greenfield, Indiana.

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April 2, 2018April 2, 2018

Pastor of the Week: Jim Sonnefield

By: Dezaray Barr

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Jim Steven Sonnefield is the Assistant Pastor and oversees Adult Ministries at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a masters degree in Christian Leadership in 2011, after previously receiving his undergraduate degrees in Education from Indiana State University and Ball State University.

When asked about his transition from education, where he spent 28 years teaching middle school and 7 teaching high school, into full time ministry, Sonnefield said, “After many years of teaching in Marion, I realized that there was more that I wanted to do with people than being in the classroom and coaching athletes. I wanted to spend more time getting to know people and to share in their spiritual journey.” This desire lead him to begin this new journey of earning his masters degree at age 53. Early on he recalls struggling with confidence, being that he was around 25 years older than the next oldest men in the program. But with each class, he grew in his assurance, as he begun feeling more in step with those who were already in full-time ministry.

His time at IWU was very special. Sonnefield greatly enjoyed getting to know and learn from Dr. Ken Schenck, Dr. Todd Guy, Dr. Eddie Shigley and Dr. Jim Vermilya. While he enjoyed everything he learned, he valued the communal aspect of IWU and definitely enjoyed his on-sight classes more that his online classes. He said that many of the peers he studied alongside during his courses are still his friends and colleagues today.

From his early teen years, Sonnefield was always involved somehow in ministry. He has always felt it was a calling on his life, but it became especially evident in the last ten years of his time working in public school education. This transition, then, was a natural step forward in faith, one that he always felt the call towards, that he accepted at the right time.

There have been challenges though, in taking on a life of pastor-ship and full-time ministry. As someone who values connection, Sonnefield has found the time constraints that come with helping shepherd a church body to be taxing. He has to very intentional to find time to connect with other congregants and accept that he cannot possibly know everyone as well as he would like to. He said cultivating relationships takes time and is all about building trust and becoming involved in their spiritual lives.

Sonnefield has found a lot of freedom in knowing that things take time and that while he cannot intimately know everyone, he can give them opportunities to get involved and he can continue to share with them as a Body. Over the last five years, he’s found finding a balance between ministry and family life to be challenging as well, especially early on when he was still coaching and teaching full-time as well. When his wife, Sue, retired from her teaching position, she became an integral part of managing his pastoral duties. He said, “She is a tremendous help in what I do each week.”

Lakeview Wesleyan Church has around 600 congregants, 400 of them being full members. Uniquely, the church has a counseling center comprised of nine licensed counselors. They also have a large children’s program, K-12 school and preschool within the church, and almost 75 employees on the church staff overall. They have also sent out several missionaries who serve around the globe.

Sonnefield said that his two favorite verses are Proverbs 27:17, which reads “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” and Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” He loves the communal emphasis both verses bring to the forefront of the readers mind.

His wisdom to current IWU students is, “Step out, take some risks, push yourself to do things you never thought you could ever do. You are on a wonderful journey, a process that will transform you, and God has given you everything you need to serve Him and others.”

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Written by Kendra Housel, writer for the Alumni Center. Kendra is a sophomore Education and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. She is also a member of the University Chorale. She is passionate about serving Christ through writing, singing and caring for others.

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March 31, 2018March 31, 2018

Deputy Grant Langebartels

By: Kendra Housel

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Grant Langebartels graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in December of 2014, receiving his undergraduate degree in physical education. He came to Indiana Wesleyan as a non-traditional, married, commuting, transfer student from IUPUI. He and his wife Laura were living in Indianapolis at the time and as a response to feeling called, took a blind-faith step to move closer to her family.

IWU was the only school offering his degree that was near to their new home. While the transfer was a difficult decision, since it meant adding more time onto his undergraduate degree and potentially paying more to cover tuition, God provided wonderfully. Through Laura getting a job in the IWU Admissions Office, her employee benefits meant that his tuition costs ended up being about the same as if he finished his degree at IUPUI. Langebartels was also thankful that his education included the benefits from a Christian college education.

When he came from a much larger campus, to a small university, Langebartels noticed right away that the professors really cared about their students as people, and he felt they wanted to get to know him as a person. Langebartels said that being at IWU and taking the gen-ed classes really helped him gain a better understanding of how the Bible fits in with the rest of history. He specifically mentioned appreciating the things he learned in Old Testament, New Testament and Philosophy. According to him, they gave him “an opportunity to view the Bible differently.”

Upon graduating with a teaching degree, his wife became pregnant with twins, and they decided that it was more advantageous for them to stay near family, which meant they would not simply be moving wherever there was job availability in education. Instead, Langebartels ended up accepting a job as a Deputy for the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, and he is also a part time Campus Police Officer at IWU. While he is not working in education, he said that what he is doing now is “a really good fit for [him].” He also mentioned that he feels having a degree in general helped him to be marketable to potential employers. He said, “IWU has a good reputation in the community and so having that on my resume helped me kick off my career, and could possibly help with future promotions.”

When asked about how his spiritual life comes into play in his career, Langebartels had much to say. He often encounters people in the midst of some of their worst moments in life. Many of these people do not know Jesus or have any concern with Christianity in general. He is thankful for the opportunity to be there, even in small ways, for them. He prays often that through his service, God would reveal Himself to the people he meets. Langebartels said that he feels God has placed a calling on his life to “be someone who everyday brings a little bit [of] healing.”

Some other, fun-facts about Langebartels include the fact that he participated in a 340 mile canoe race in a 64 hour period, something he would not suggest doing. He also spent some time working for the Indianapolis Colts, a job which came with a lot of unique perks. While meeting players and going to games was wonderful, his favorite aspect was taking home leftover food from fancy events. He also has six brothers and one sister, all of whom are married and have children. With almost seventeen children between the eight of them, he said that “family get-togethers are crazy.”

When asked what advice he has for current students at IWU, Langebartels said “Get to know your community while you are at IWU. Before I came to IWU, I always heard about the ‘IWU bubble.’ While I was a student, I started to notice it more, and now as a person that works in and around IWU I notice it all the time. Find ways to go out and serve; don’t just keep to yourselves at IWU. This is a community that needs good role models for students, young people that can help with service projects, etc. Do what you can while you are here to help. Also, don’t stress out about your school work too much. I saw/see so many people on campus who get way too worked up about tests, projects, homework, etc. to the point that they don’t enjoy all the other things around them.”

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