John Schaaf

Hometown: Winnemucca, Nevada
Undergraduate Degree: Biblical Studies
Grad Degree: Biblical Studies

What type of high school did you graduate from?
Homeschool

Why did you choose BJU?
From a young age. I knew I wanted to be in some form of ministry when I grew up, and when I reached high school, I figured out I wanted to serve God as a pastor. 1 Peter 5:2 resonated with me when it said to “feed the flock of God... with a ready mind,” and my grandpa said BJU was the place to do just that. I chose BJU because I knew I needed a quality education if I wanted to be a faithful servant, obeying God’s commands.

How have you grown over your years at BJU?
While I cannot overstate the influence of BJU’s biblical worldview and liberal arts emphasis on my life, one valuable takeaway from BJU came from learning what it means to walk by faith and not by sight. Through the influence of my society brothers, I found a community that consistently pointed me toward Christ regardless of what trials or temptations I faced.

What was your favorite class in college? Why?
Even though I was majoring in biblical studies, I got the chance to pursue the world of pottery. The hands-on experience provided a refreshing escape from the rigors of academia. It enabled me to shift gears, using my hands to create and mold rather than just engaging with words and texts. This diversion turned out to be a profound complement to my academic pursuits because it deepened my understanding of God’s sovereignty as I grew to better understand the illustration of the potter in Romans 9.

What sort of campus ministries were you involved in?
BJU offered me a host of meaningful ministries, from praying with the mission prayer band and spreading the Gospel through downtown Greenville to captivating young hearts with inspiring Bible stories at the juvenile detention center. I got to enjoy only a few of the many ways I could have helped make a difference in our local community!

What is your favorite spot to hang out on campus?
I spent a lot of time studying with my friends, so we would usually meet up in the library. We loved the library because we could collaborate on projects, discuss the Bible and philosophy and occasionally play some games together.

Any advice for incoming students?
First, don’t hesitate to be an active participant in your classes. If you have a question, ten classmates are just as nervous and want to know the same thing. Second, keep your life organized by putting all your assignments into one calendar. Finally, when it comes to personal chores like laundry, consider doing it early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds and maximize your time for more fulfilling activities.