Senior theology major Kyler Leland VanHook is this year’s SA Religious Vice President. For his role, he is responsible for major spiritual events during the school year, such as Week of Worship, vespers, and represents spiritual life on campus. Kyler also has the responsibility of deciphering new and creative ways for students to connect and spread God’s word. 

“I plan to approach each of these responsibilities with prayer, proper mentorship, and critical thinking to make sure that events are initiated, students are connected, and spiritual life in general continues to flourish,” he said. 

What motivated you to run for this position? 

Well, it wasn’t anything like a dream or an “aha” moment, but rather a combination of many things. One of the motivating factors was the prospect of rejoining the student leadership team. My sophomore and junior years at PUC were a time when I was actively involved in working as a Campus Ministries Student Chaplain. I had a wonderful time working with other prominent student leaders. Once I returned for my senior year, this time holding no leadership position, I quickly began to feel the emptiness that came with no longer being an active member of a team. 

As SA elections rolled around this year, the thought of running for Religious Vice President wasn’t all that strong. However, as the deadline drew nearer and after receiving encouragement from my peers and certain mentors, I began to consider it more intentionally. It was not until I took the matter into prayer that the impression grew stronger. Eventually I was convicted enough to make a choice and commit to running, trusting God with the outcome. The rest is history. 

What are your goals for campus spiritual life? 

My goals for the spiritual life on campus include activities that reconnect people to the life-giving power of the Word. If there is one thing that I firmly believe, it is this: God creates with purpose. That means He has created every student, faculty, and staff member with a specific purpose in mind. And that purpose is so awesome that once you understand it, there can be no doubt left that God intends nothing but the best for His children. 

This campus was fundamental for the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ when it was first established. As we near closer to His soon return, He desires to use PUC once again in just as big (or even bigger) a way. Each person involved with this campus is an intentional agent God desires to use to carry out His most amazing plan for the redemption of this world. This is my goal: to help us understand this great purpose we are all called to. If I spend more time writing on this one subject, it would take up the entire blog. 

What are some of the experiences that have shaped your interest in this role? 

Witnessing the spiritual growth on campus over the years has proven to be enough of a motivating experience to be interested in this particular position. On a more personal note, my own individual walk with Jesus, though often bumpy and messy, serves to be a constant and growing experience for me. 

The combination of my love for this campus and my own personal spiritual growth has sparked a great interest in this role. I am interested in stepping into this role because I am excited to see how God will use it to bless others, as well as teach me the next set of valuable life lessons that await me. 

How would you describe PUC’s spiritual life? 

PUC is not a perfect campus in any way, and especially not spiritually. But neither am I, nor are any of us. But what I am proud to profess boldly is this: God is on the move! I have seen God work in the lives of students, faculty, and even community members enough to firmly believe that this campus is not dead. 

Where do I see PUC spiritually? Climbing, progressing upwards, and quickly at that. This is not progress that I, or anyone else, should claim to be responsible for. Whatever spiritual growth there is on campus, all credit goes to the Holy Spirit. I have simply seen too much, witnessed too many conversions, and have had too many prayers answered for me to continue to dwell on whatever the devil tries to discourage me with regarding this campus. I say it is time to start giving God some credit for what He has been doing! PUC, these are exciting times! 

How will you assess the spiritual needs and interests of PUC students? 

I intend to make sure that the spiritual needs of the students are being met. Students are the highest priority. One of my goals is to make sure that I am consistently receiving and assessing feedback on spiritual events. By doing this, I am confident that I will have sufficient information to determine the next step in supporting the spiritual needs of students on campus. 

What message do you want to emphasize across campus next year to help shape spiritual life at PUC? 

I want students to believe that they were made for more than the sufferings of this world; they were made for the greatest purpose ever given to anything or any created being in the entire universe. If that sounds too incomprehensible a concept, it’s because it is. 

How will you lead and encourage students during worship, vespers, and other events? 

As of right now, the best starting point is to live by example. I intend to be an encouraging voice in the way that I engage with students on a personal basis. I want the students to know that I truly care about them, and by doing so, pray that they will understand that Jesus loves and cares for them, too. 

I also want to encourage students to use the gifts God has given them for His glory. This could refer an individual to the campus ministry team to get a spot on the worship team. Or a student would like to share their personal testimony up front for a vespers or even Student Week of Worship. However possible, I want to get students enthusiastic about becoming involved. 

How can PUC support your spiritual mission for students? 

For me, the biggest thing PUC can do to support my spiritual vision is to trust in God. But to add to that, I would love to take advantage of the tools and the individuals that PUC has to offer to further this mission. I would love to hear from the influential voices of PUC to gain insight as to what I could do better or be made aware of an issue that I am unaware of. This is a wonderful community, and I look forward to working with it. 

To the PUC family: If you want to know how you can show the most support… I need you to believe for yourself that God is not quitting on you, so please don’t quit on Him. 

What made you decide to attend PUC? 

My family was a big influence. My parents, as well as my grandparents, both met and were married because of this campus. When it came time for me to decide where I wanted to go for college, I simply chose what was closest to home. My love and passion for PUC began to grow the more I got used to calling this place my second home. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community? 

I love the family aspect. The longer you stay here, the more people you get to know. If you are intentional about showing your face on a day-to-day basis, it doesn’t take long before you have at least seen almost everyone. Personally, this is probably my favorite aspect. I also really love the history of this campus. I wish more of us students paid closer attention to our roots, because PUC is an absolute staple for the development of this neck of the woods in California. 

Can you share any advice for new students? 

If you look for the bad, it is guaranteed you will find it. But if you intentionally seek the good and truly desire to find it, God will make sure you do. It may take time, but if you keep seeking, eventually you will find it! 

Don’t be a stranger. The Campus Ministries team, the SA team, and even Dr. T himself all love to engage with new faces! If you are looking for a community, this is the place to find it. 

Trust in God. He not only cares about your spiritual journey, but He cares about your career and your success. He is on your team, rooting for you. Listen to Him, talk to Him, and obey Him. When you slip and fall, claim the promise of Scripture: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9