When Isabella Sawyer first visited Kansas Christian College (KCC), she wasn’t sure what to expect. A friend from her church told her about the school, so she decided to visit — and instantly felt at home.
“I really just fell in love with the faculty and how kind they were to me,” Isabella said. “The small community and the beautiful campus made me feel welcome right away.”
Discovering a Place to Grow in Faith and Leadership
Now a junior at KCC, Isabella has become deeply involved in campus life. She serves on the Ministry Team, a select group of students who volunteer in hospitals, serve the homeless, and share hope through local outreach.
“I was hoping to find a place where I could further my faith while being educated,” Isabella explained. “I found exactly that. God is ingrained in the courses and in the campus as a whole.”
Through her coursework and experiences, she’s learned how faith and education work hand-in-hand. One of the most meaningful classes for her has been Marketplace Ministry, taught by Professor Lee.
“He asked us, ‘To what end are you leading toward?’ That question really stayed with me. It made me think about why I do what I do — and I realized it’s to share my faith with others.”
Learning Servant Leadership
For Isabella, one of the biggest lessons KCC has taught her is the meaning of servant leadership.
“I had heard about being a servant, and I’d heard about leadership,” she said. “But putting them together — that was new. Jesus is the perfect example: the King of the world who still serves those in need. KCC helped me see that I can be a leader and still serve others at the same time.”
Her time on the ministry team has given her the opportunity to put those lessons into practice. One of her favorite memories was serving families at Children’s Mercy Hospital, preparing and packaging meals for parents waiting for their children’s appointments.
Building Confidence and Connection
College life hasn’t just helped Isabella grow spiritually — it’s helped her grow personally, too.
“God is challenging me to get out of my comfort zone and serve others,” she said. “KCC has really helped me become more confident talking with people and building relationships.”
She’s grateful for mentors like Miss Margie and Miss Leandra, who helped her understand what it means to have a personal relationship with God.
“I’ve learned that God wants to be my friend. I used to think of Him only as an authority figure, but now I see how much He wants a relationship with me.”
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Isabella hopes to go into ministry and eventually become a pastor. Her goal is simple but powerful: to make an impact that lasts.
“I want people to remember me as someone who was bold, friendly, and caring,” she said. “KCC is preparing me to do just that.”
Her message to future students is clear:
“You won’t regret coming here. It can feel scary at first, but the faculty are excited to help you and make you feel comfortable. Everyone wants to see you grow.”
About Kansas Christian College
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Christian College is dedicated to developing servant leaders who integrate faith and learning to make a difference in the world. With small class sizes, caring faculty, and opportunities for ministry and service, KCC equips students like Isabella to live out their calling with confidence.
Interested in giving towards the mission and vision of Kansas Christian College? Click here!
