Back to School: From Panic to Purpose

As we head back to school, we’re sitting down with Ceili Joyce who is preparing for an exciting new chapter at Summit College this fall.But getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Throughout her middle and high school years, Ceili struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks. Things many of us take for granted—like going to a movie theatre, being in a crowded church, or surrounded by large groups of people—could feel overwhelming.Even when her parents stopped attending church, Ceili’s own faith remained. She continued attending Bible study and eventually found her way into the youth ministry at Emmanuel Church. What began as simply showing up grew into serving as the church’s office administrator, joining leadership teams, and eventually becoming a youth ministry intern. But there were moments when she was ready to walk away and decide that ministry simply wasn’t for her. After years of waiting she finally received an answer that changed her direction.Today, the same young woman who once feared crowded spaces and struggled to enter a movie theatre has been able to preach in front of auditoriums full of students.In this back-to-school episode, Ceili shares her journey of anxiety, faith, calling, and growth—and gives us an inside look at the many things happening behind the scenes in Emmanuel’s youth ministry.Tune in to hear how far God has brought her—and where He is leading her next.