Name: Mike Wilday
Year: Graduated '99
Age: 31
Job: Associate / Youth Pastor

Why did you choose to go to LIFE?

In September of 1993 I received a vision from the Lord calling me to youth ministry. At the time my youth pastor, Tim Mossholder, suggested that LIFE would be a good place to get Biblical training. So after a bit of prayer and great anticipation, I started in the fall of '94.

What did you like most about going to LIFE?

There were so many things that I enjoyed about my tenure at LIFE. As a young man looking to participate in ministry, it was great to meet so many other young people called into the ministry as well. The friendships I formed while staying in the dorms are friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Second, the professors were excellent in every manner. They were so full of wisdom and knowledge as professors, but the care and counsel I got from them as seasoned men and women of God was as important to me as the lessons they taught. I enjoyed every moment on LIFE's campus, as a student, employee, ASB President and an R.A. every moment was enjoyable.

What degree did you obtain?

I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Youth Ministry.

What do you do now?

I am currently a full-time Associate/Youth Pastor. I run Jr. and Sr. Youth Ministries, as well as most of the technical/graphical operations of the church.

How did LIFE prepare you for what you are doing now?

LIFE prepared me in so many ways. By taking classes at LIFE I learned how to study and apply scripture to the lives of people around me. I fell in love with the Word of God through the influence of things I learned and teachers who inspired me. Through the accountability of student ministry responsibilities and the cooperation of an incredible church and pastor, I was given practical ministry experience.

What is one of your favorite memories while here at LIFE?

Wow, that is a difficult one to answer. I have so many fond memories of LIFE. Catching guys pulling pranks as a Resident Assistant, dressing up and running a game booth at the McKinley boys home every year, filling soda machines as an ASB Secretary, playing soccer on the upper field which is now part of the Hicks Student Center, praying with friends in our dorm rooms, learning to play guitar, playing Nintendo 64 at my dorm overseer's apartment till all hours of the night. It's hard to narrow it down. The memories I hold from LIFE are priceless.

What one thing do you wish you knew about before attending LIFE?

I think every person entering LIFE with an interest in ministry should realize that their success at LIFE isn't linked to a local church, but their success in preparation for ministry. One of the greatest things that I had going for me as a student was that I was already connected to a local church body when I started. LIFE is great at teaching you techniques and tactics for ministry and studying the Word... but the local church you become involved in is practice of those things. If you aren't tied in to a local church then all your knowledge becomes useless information. Find a church you can belong to and then get involved! I don't really think there was one thing that I wish I had known before going... but that is one thing that I think all students should know.

Did you participate in any extra curricular activities while at LIFE? If so, what and which one was your favorite?

While I was at LIFE I participated as Secretary and President of the Associated Student Body and played intramural soccer with students from LIFE at an indoor soccer league in Ontario. I also performed in a couple of dramas for LIFE as well. One in particular holds a special memory. I played the role of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side. I was asked  to wear a skimpy little soldier tunic (skirt) and got a plethora of cat calls when I came out on stage from behind the cross. It was fun. Embarrassing, but fun!

Is it better to have your own car or “mooch” rides off of everyone else?

I am torn on this one. Having your own car definitely has its benefits. I didn't own one till my last semester at LIFE. I didn't even get my license till I was 21 because I was giving every spare penny I could find to LIFE. I had to mooch rides. It was a challenge but luckily I had enough friends who went to the same church as me and were willing to take me with them. Valuable friendships were built carpooling to church. I'm afraid I would have spent too much time away from LIFE if I had my own car. Having to mooch kept me on campus more, allowing me to build some great relationships with students that had cars.