For Nathan Bowen, baseball has been a part of life since he was three years old. But when it came time to choose a college, he was looking for something more than just a place to play; he wanted a community where faith came first.
“I chose to come to Kansas Christian to further my relationship with Christ,” Nathan said. “After hearing about chapel and all the events KCC holds to help students grow spiritually, it just felt like a calling from God.”
A Small Campus with a Big Heart
Like many first-year students, Nathan wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived on campus.
“My first week, I remember thinking how small the campus was,” he recalled. “But once I went to chapel, I was amazed by how close everyone was, the faculty and the students. Everyone spoke to each other, and it made me feel really connected right away.”
That sense of connection is something Kansas Christian College is known for. With small class sizes and a close-knit student body, new students quickly become part of a family. Professors know their students by name, and peers grow into lifelong friends. For Nathan, that made all the difference.
“It’s not just that people know you,” he said. “It’s that they care about you. You can tell that everyone, from your teammates to your professors, wants to see you grow.”
Finding Brotherhood on the Field
As a member of the KCC baseball team, Nathan quickly discovered a bond that went beyond competition.
“On every other team I’ve played on, I’ve had friends,” he said. “But here, I have a connection with every single player. There’s not a person I don’t talk to or check in with. We’re like brothers.”
That camaraderie extends beyond the diamond. Teammates pray together, share meals together, and support one another through both victories and challenges.
“It feels great to know that I’m never alone,” Nathan shared. “There are times in life when you feel like no one cares, but here, I always have someone to talk to, whether it’s my teammates or my coaches.”
At KCC, athletics are more than just games. They’re opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and spiritual growth. Coaches and teammates alike challenge one another to live out their faith on and off the field.
Learning the Power of Sharing Your Story
One of Nathan’s most powerful experiences came when he shared his personal testimony for the first time.
“At first, it was scary,” he admitted. “I didn’t know what people would think. But after I started talking, I realized how much it impacted others. People came up to me afterward and said it helped them because they were going through similar struggles.”
That moment taught Nathan the importance of vulnerability and community, two values deeply woven into the KCC experience.
“We live in a world where people keep their struggles to themselves,” he said. “But in Christianity, we’re called to be honest, to comfort one another, and to help each other through those moments.”
His courage to speak openly has encouraged other students to do the same, fostering a culture of authenticity and faith across campus.
Growing in Faith and Confidence
As Nathan continues his journey at KCC, he’s growing not just as a student-athlete, but as a follower of Christ.
He’s learning that faith is built through community, through teammates who listen, friends who encourage, and professors who challenge him to think deeply about his purpose. Each day brings new opportunities to grow, serve, and lead.
“KCC has already helped me get closer to God,” Nathan said. “And I want to help others do the same.”
About Kansas Christian College
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Christian College (KCC) equips students to become servant leaders who integrate faith, learning, and purpose. With a close community, Christ-centered academics, and competitive athletics, KCC offers an environment where students like Nathan can grow both spiritually and personally.
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