Student Story: Rev. Jenny Gowing

Spirit-Led Success: Rev. Jenny Gowing, Class of 2023
Rev. Jenny Gowing is one of this year’s NU Oregon graduates, celebrating the completion of her B.A. in Ministry Leadership. Jenny serves as a Bible teacher at Life Christian School in Aloha, Oregon, and serves with her husband, Jeff, at Life Church PDX as the GenNow Pastors. Here is some of her story as an NU Oregon student and her thoughts on God’s transforming work in her life as she looks forward to what’s ahead.

Q: How did you end up at NU Oregon?
“I felt a leading from God to higher education to prepare for whatever He had coming for me in the future. At the time, the school was Salem Bible College and is now known as NUO. I was able to attend and finish my junior year but did not graduate due to moving from the area. For a long time, I desired to finish my degree, and I was able to start attending NUO two years ago as a part-time student.”

Q: How has God changed you during your years as a student?
“It has been incredible (and challenging) to be back in school and able to learn from heroes of the faith who are so dedicated, kind, and encouraging. I look back on my early years at NUO and realize that I took my education and learning for granted. I was so focused on doing well on tests, getting an A, and memorizing material that I now realize I was leaving God out of it. I was not allowing Holy Spirit to lead me in my reading, in my homework, in my projects, or in my tests. My desire and focus were more on accolades than allowing transformation and revelation from God in and through my classes. These last two years being back in school have been life changing. I long for Holy Spirit to be in it all: to speak to me through reading my textbooks, to encourage me in my homework or projects, and to sharpen and challenge me through my classmates and professors.”

Q: As you continue to what is next after your time at NU Oregon, what piece of wisdom would you give to continuing and new students?
“The greatest favor you can do for yourself is to be Holy Spirit-filled and Holy Spirit-led. Allow Him to change you, to transform you, to call you, to love you, to champion you, to challenge you, and to lead you. In all things, honor Him. ‘I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable’ (Psalm 145:1-3).”  

Spirit-Led Steps
Where is Holy Spirit leading you? If pursuing your education or courses for ministry credentials are your next steps in your leadership growth and development, you can take the next step as early as this fall. Apply for Fall 2023 here!

For more information on any of our programs or campus details,
email oregon@northwestu.edu or call us at 503-304-0092.
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