Photos by Ralph Freso/ Slideshow / Livestream
Matthew Snider did not consider pursuing a master of divinity degree at Grand Canyon University until October of his senior year as an undergraduate.
His intentions were put to the test by several College of Theology professors.
“They were saying that a master of divinity (degree) is not going to be the best financial investment, but rather, it's more spiritual investment,” Snider said.
“And that was enough for me. That's what I care about.”
Whether it is leading worship at Grace Church in Chester, Missouri, or spending part of his time as a young adult leader at Mosaic Church in Glendale, Arizona, Snider displays a passion to serve by leading.
“He could have, like many of us, say, ‘What’s the job that will give me the most (money)?’" said the college's assistant dean, Dr. Paul Smith, of Snider, who also works as a student services counselor. “But he’s (thinking), ‘How can I serve others?’ Even at what might be a financial or time sacrifice.
“He’s a well-grounded graduate who got a job with GCU helping others and advising students. What a great resource to the university.”
Serving as the student speaker at Friday afternoon’s nontraditional commencement service, Snider referenced Ecclesiastes 3:1 as part of his time and season theme.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
“This is an amazing season, but what does your character look like when the seasons are not as celebratory?” Snider said. “How are you going to respond when you go home next week and you find out you still need to go to work, even though you just got done celebrating here at GCU.
“We still have life. And one of the quotes I say is ‘10% of life is what happens to you, 90% is how you respond.’”
“… It’s learning how to be intentional in the seasons, even in the celebratory seasons, how can I learn to be intentional and not let this time pass? The same with hard seasons.”
The percentage quote came from Jon Brown, senior pastor at Grace Church. He recognized Snider’s passion for worship in his 5-7 grade class, when Brown served as head teacher.
“He’s been ‘all-in’ ever since,” said Brown, adding that Snider advanced to co-worship leader in his high school class at Grace while becoming an active member on the church’s main worship team. Snider and Brown remain in contact, especially regarding worship, and Snider played the keyboards and preached at a service during a recent visit to Grace.
“He has a keen ear and a heart that pursues God in this area of ministry,” Brown added. “… God is sovereign, and I trust Him completely, but how nice it would be for Matthew to return to Chester and serve/minister at our church.”
Snider did not arrive at GCU as a ground student until his senior year as a Christian studies major with an emphasis in worship leadership. He landed a job as a student services counselor for Grand Canyon Education, in which he oversees several facets of students’ academics, from making sure their pre-requisites and programs are aligned perfectly, to scheduling and financial aid.
“And I get to build a relationship,” said Snider, who paused to accommodate a Christian studies student named Ezekiel who sought time with him.
Snider, in his work at Mosaic Church, reminisced about his love for community, which dates back to his days at Chester.
“I’m in a living room of 11 people, and they’re all older folk. I get to learn from them, and then they tell me they’d love for me to help serve.”
Moving from Chester, with a population of less than 8,000 that's the home of cartoon character Popeye the Sailor (where a 6-foot bronze statue stands), to GCU also expanded Snider’s worldview. He gained a greater understanding in a Christian worldview and mission class as part of his residency.
“It's not just a standard white American Evangelical people group,” Snider said. “It's multiple. One of my best friends in the office, she's from Hawaii. She has a different kind of upbringing, different kind of take on life and still holds the Christian values.
“But then you have some Islam people at work in there, and just getting to hear their story, and just learning how to love them, how Christ has taught us while holding to our own truth through the truth of the gospel. That's been a really cool thing for me, and learning how to make community with different worldviews is something I've definitely appreciated about my time here at GCU.”
It took a second visit, however, for Snider to become convinced GCU was the place.
“Something clicked there,” Snider said. “I attended a (GCU) Chapel that second time. I felt something a little bit deeper. … Seeing how the spiritual life of GCU flowed from just attending Chapel. GCU is really intentional about their spiritual development. And that was a big attracting factor of GCU.”
There also was another perk to attending the university in the fall of 2022. Snider met sophomore mechanical engineering major Hannah Hagen. They became engaged in November with plans to marry in July in her native Oregon.
“She was finishing her sophomore year as I was finishing my senior year. That also kind of gave me more motivation to stay out here and to pursue that relationship with her,” Snider said with a smile.
As for the future, Snider and his fiancee plan to stay here.
With the help of GCU, he has developed a foundation that enables him to flourish, whether it’s in a rural setting or a large metropolitan area.
“I think he's got that foundation. Character will travel,” Smith said.
“There's some behavioral skills that will work in one place, but not any place else. But character will travel, and I think he's developed his character over the years, developed skills and ways of viewing the world through his time here that will benefit him no matter where he ends up.”
GCU News senior writer Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
