What Is It?

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host Michelle, a current Manna University student who is faithfully balancing school, family life, and leadership at Manna Church. Michelle shares how her journey at Manna U began, what degree program she’s pursuing, and why she chose this path.She opens up about the ways she’s being equipped in her everyday student life, the faculty and staff who have impacted her most, and how her education is strengthening her roles as a wife, mother, and Growth Track leader.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly do it all—or if going back to school feels out of reach—Michelle’s story will encourage and empower you to take the next step with confidence.

In this episode of “What Is It?” we sit down with Tamara, a current Manna University student who is faithfully balancing work, church involvement, and her Master’s degree. She shares how her journey at Manna U began, what led her to choose her degree path, and how her education is shaping her everyday life.Tamara gives insight into how she’s being equipped as a student through the support of faculty and the Manna U community, and how that foundation is helping her lead and serve with confidence.With a powerful testimony of balancing multiple responsibilities while staying rooted in her calling, Tamara encourages anyone who feels like they can’t do it all. This episode is a reminder that with the right support, you can step into everything God has for you.I am still working on the video because I am having some technical issues that I am working through.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna University's Academic Coordinator, Kylie Alfaro as she shares her story as an alum who is now serving in a key role within Manna Church Worship. Kylie shares how her journey at Manna U began, what she gained from her education beyond a bachelor’s degree, and how that foundation prepared her for leadership in both the church and the university. Their conversation explores what it means to be equipped for ministry, how empowerment shapes confident leadership, and why taking the step to return to school can be transformative. This episode offers encouragement for anyone discerning their next step in education, ministry, or calling.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna University's Enrollment Counselor, Cherish Thompson as she shares her journey from student to staff member at Manna University. She reflects on how she found Manna U, what her education gave her beyond a degree, and how it equipped her for her current role on campus and in Manna Church. Cherish also unpacks what empowerment has looked like in her life and offers encouragement to anyone considering returning to school but feeling uncertain. This conversation highlights how Manna University educates, equips, and empowers students to step confidently into their calling.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna University's Ministry Chair & alum, Dr. Josh Thomas in this special Christmas episode, as they unpack the true theological meaning of Christmas and why it matters for today’s Christian leaders. Josh shares how understanding the depth of the Christmas story shapes the way Manna U professors teach, guide, and inspire their students throughout the year. They explore how Manna University equips students, especially those in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, to enter their cultural contexts with the Gospel just as Christ entered our world. Josh also highlights how the university forms leaders with both conviction and competence by grounding education in the biblical truths found in the Nativity story. Finally, Josh walks through the impact of the Leadership in Action (LIA) program, sharing real examples of how students put classroom learning into practice during the Christmas season. Discover how Manna U empowers graduates to advance the Kingdom of God wherever they serve—whether in churches, nonprofits, or the marketplace.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Manna Church’s Lead Pastor, Christopher Fletcher, as they talk about one of the church’s most impactful annual events—the Reach Out Celebration (ROC)—and how Manna University plays a vital role in its mission. Pastor Chris shares his journey in leadership and how Manna University has helped equip him to lead with vision and purpose. Together, we explore how Manna U’s educational approach prepares students not just academically, but spiritually and missionally to make a difference in their communities and beyond. From education to action, discover how Manna University and the Reach Out Celebration partner to educate, equip, and empower a new generation of missionaries and church leaders to change the world.Manna Church Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg: https://fayftbragg.manna.church/

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Jeff Christensen as they dive into the history and impact of the Reformation and its lasting influence on how Christians live, learn, and lead today. Together, they unpack what the Reformation was, why it mattered, and how its core principles still shape the mission of Manna University. From the call to integrate theology into everyday life, to the biblical vision of the "priesthood of all believers," they explore how these ideas continue to inform Manna U’s approach to educating and equipping leaders for both church and marketplace. They also reflect on how the Reformation brought both positive change—like literacy and accessibility of Scripture—and challenges, offering lessons for today’s leaders navigating cultural upheaval. Listeners will hear how Manna U empowers students to rise with resilience, creativity, and effective biblical leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Sadé Wilson as she shares her unique journey as both a proud alum of Manna University and the MC for the annual Dream Run 5K. Sadé reflects on how her time at Manna U shaped her career path, equipped her for opportunities after graduation, and empowered her to embrace challenges with confidence.She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the honor of serving as MC for the Dream Run—what it means to her personally, how it impacts participants and spectators, and why events like the Dream Run are vital for building community and supporting the mission of Manna University.Whether you’re a student, alum, or first-time runner, this episode will inspire you to see how education, preparation, and empowerment can impact lives both on and off the racecourse.Register for our Dream Run 5K: www.manna.edu/dream-runHabitudes Book by Dr. Tim Elmore: https://a.co/d/8YPORLd

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Stefanie Ertel, Executive Director of Academics at Manna University, to explore how academics serve as a foundation to educate, equip, and empower. Stefanie shares her journey to leadership, insights on how academic training shapes Christian leaders, and how Manna U prepares students not just for the classroom—but for real-world impact.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Daniel McBride as he shares about his recent mission trip to Havana, Cuba. Hear how the trip reflects Manna U’s core values—Educate, Equip, and Empower—and how students are prepared to serve and lead on the mission field. From overcoming fears to sharing the Gospel with confidence, Daniel offers real insights for anyone considering missions.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Sherita Brooks, a student at Manna University, as they talk about her education journey after years away. She shares why she chose Manna U, how serving in the Student Government Association has equipped her, and how she's balancing school, work, family, and ministry. Sherita also reflects on how Manna University has empowered her—and how she’s now empowering others through her growth and leadership.

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Dr. Carlo Serrano, as they explore the heart behind Educate, Equip, Empower—three pillars that shape the journey to Commencement. Discover why Commencement is seen as the “Super Bowl” of the university, how leadership equips not just students but staff, and what it truly means to empower the next generation toward their calling.Want to register for classes? Visit www.manna.edu and apply today!

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Dr. Natasha Tubbs, as they dive into the importance of education, equipping, and empowering others in the context of Easter and Apologetics. They explore key insights about the Resurrection of Christ, how apologetics strengthens faith, and how believers can be better equipped to address common objections. Check it out to hear them discuss how to educate, equip, and empower others to confidently defend and live out their faith.#InheritanceInterested in taking some classes? Visit www.manna.edu/apply and apply today!

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie, and this episode's co-host, Andrew Sutton, as Andrew reflects on his journey with Manna University, from its roots as Grace College of Divinity to its current form. He shares how his time at Manna U shaped his ability to educate, equip, and empower others, how he's using what he learned to lead and mentor those around him, and how he empowers others in his role as a pastor.Interested in our Golf Tournament? Visit https://manna.edu/golf-tournament to register today!

Join Manna U alum and staff member, Dee Bowie and this episode's co-host, Jaemi Serrano, as they delve into her background, stories about her adventure in education, and how she has been developed as a leader and deployed into her current role at Manna University.