Not By Accident

Looking forward to his senior year, Coleman (pictured above right) is using his time before college to pour back into other students. Since attending HP Pres for the first time in 5th grade, he has been active in the kids and student ministries. Reflecting on his early days at the church, he shares that the friends he made helped him stay consistent and the mentors in his life helped his faith grow. Now, he wants to offer those same experiences to students in younger grades. He shares, “Whenever I had a struggle, I would always have someone to call. I want to be there for people the way other leaders have been there for me.” 

With a younger sister in 8th grade, Coleman has been intentional about how he can be a positive influence on her and the kids in her grade. He shares, “Being able to lead and love on the kids in her grade is really important. I want to help pave the way for the younger kids.” 

Despite having a schedule filled with school, extra-curricular activities, and making time with friends and family, Coleman values the time that he spends with his church family. He shares, “The biggest thing is just showing up. My friends urge me to go even when I don’t feel like it. Making an effort to show up and making an effort to connect with the people at the church has had a big impact on my faith.” 

This year, Coleman will be serving on the Student Lead Team where he’ll share his input on activities, mentor other students, and learn more about what it means to lead like Christ. The Lead Team offers students the chance to learn by leading others and prepares them to lean into their faith as they mature into young adults. Coleman shares, “We should constantly be trying to live like the one who saves. He served us so I want to serve others.” 

Coleman’s approach to this chapter of his faith was inspired by a conversation he had with one of the leaders in his life, Mr. George. In that conversation, George told him that there are billions of people in this world but only a few of them will come into your life. That is not by accident. Coleman shares that since that conversation, “I want to put effort into every person I meet because I know that I didn’t meet them by accident.” 

Learn how the next generation is finding and following Jesus at hppres.org/students.