Online school can feel lonely at times. Can we get an amen?! At Ascent College, we want you to know that our professors are so much more than proctors of online course shells. They are true experts at their craft, active ministry leaders, and deeply committed to your spiritual development and academic success. And they’re real people with funny hobbies, prayerful dreams, and unique journeys that contribute to how they show up in life, in ministry, and in their academic leadership as invaluable members of the Ascent College faculty.
Today, we welcome you to the opportunity to get to know Dr. Brandon Pardekooper a bit more. Read some tidbits from a recent interview we did for social media below!
Dr. Brandon Pardekooper and his family moved to Virginia Beach in the summer of 2021. From his first week at Central Bible College, Brandon knew he was called to train and develop pastors, and God has provided him with that opportunity for the last twenty years.
Brandon is an Author, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Futurist, but he is most proud of being a Pastor. To be a part of the spiritual journey of another individual is a great honor for him, particularly when they are ministry leaders impacting the lives of those around them.
Brandon has a wonderful wife who serves as a Physician Assistant on the DART team with Samaritan’s Purse and at a local Emergency Room. Together, they have three wonderful, energetic, and strong boys who help keep them running and playing all the time.
HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN MINISTRY?
Currently, I consult with churches, pastors, and entrepreneurs as they build for Kingdom impact. I have the privilege of shepherding pastors and Christian business owners by designing engaging experiences and building high-impact teams. I am also a member of the hospitality team at my local church.
WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
For hobbies, I enjoy playing sports and reading. I have three boys, so I play to keep up with them and read to recover! I am also a huge Chiefs fan and have been since the Christian Okoye days.
I published Millenial Leadership: Equipping Generations to Influence a New Millenium in 2019, host the Pastor’s Growing Church Community Podcast, and wrote a Christmas devotional, High Point of Grace, that will kick off again on December 1st this year, and regularly blog.
WHAT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT DO YOU HAVE FOR OUR STUDENTS?
God has designed you for greatness even when you don’t feel it. Each day, choose to live out your greatness despite how you feel. We are the sum total of our daily decisions and a thousand details. No one can define us except God – who created us – and ourselves through our choices each day.
WANT TO TAKE A CLASS WITH DR. PARDEKOOPER?
Currently, Dr. Pardekooper teaches the following course at Ascent College:
MIN301 Leadership Theory and Practice
We want you to have every opportunity to engage with professors like Dr. Brandon Pardekooper and get to know them. We challenge you to embrace the invitations to Zoom meetings and other meet-ups. Be intentional about building relationships with staff, faculty, and fellow students as like-minded pursuers of Christ and God’s call into ministry. We are all in this together, and we are truly #bettertogether!