The Power of Presence - Embracing the Call to Ministry
Listen to the conversation
Episode 2 · 33 min
Pastor Chris Gentz is a missionary, pastor and leader on staff with H2O Kalamazoo at Western Michigan University. He loves Jesus, loves people and cares about college campuses as a mission field, and his story is about finding his calling, wrestling with identity and living out the gospel in campus ministry, which is good and hard work.
In this episode of the Collegiate Church Network Podcast, host Jay Bennett talks with Chris about his 16 years of ministry, planting a church at Western Michigan University and what he has learned about presence, identity and trusting God.
From Lukewarm to On Fire
Chris didn't go to the University of Michigan planning to go into ministry. In his words, “I was a lukewarm Christian. One day Jesus will tell me where I was really at.” That changed when he found a lively campus church and real Christian community.
“Seeing other students my age worshiping Jesus was incredible,” he recalls. “It made me realize there was something different here.” He came away passionate about the gospel and wanting to share it.
A Vision for Church Planting
Chris started thinking about church planting early. His church at the University of Michigan regularly sent teams to start churches on other campuses. “We talked about church planting all the time,” he says. “It wasn’t just an idea—it was part of our DNA.”
When the opportunity arose to plant a church at Western Michigan University in 2018, Gents was ready. He spent time prayerfully discerning which campus to focus on, visiting multiple universities, meeting students, and engaging in spiritual conversations.
A site visit to Western Michigan University settled his decision. “We shared the gospel with an RA in a dorm, and her story mirrored ours—brokenness, loss, and a need for hope. She responded, ‘I want that,’” Chris recalls. “It was clear God was opening a door here.”
The Joys and Challenges of Church Planting
Planting a church is never easy, but for Gents, the challenges have been worth it. One of his most memorable moments came during the second fall semester of their church plant. He struck up a conversation with a student named Ashton in the dining hall.
Ashton was interested in the gospel but hesitant to commit. Two weeks later, he showed up at a service, got baptized, and eventually became their first staff intern. “Now he’s on fire for Jesus, sharing the gospel with others,” Gents says. “Stories like Ashton’s remind me why we do this.”
Yet, Gents is honest about the struggles. “I had to die to worldly measures of success,” he admits. “It wasn’t easy stepping away from the career path others expected of me.” Family concerns about finances and doubts about whether ministry was “enough” were real hurdles.
“But God met me in my struggle,” Gents says. “He reminded me that His definition of success is so much better than the world’s.”
Living the Gospel on Campus
Ministry has taught Chris the importance of being present. “We need to be where the people are,” he says. His staff team recently committed to spending at least 10 hours a week on campus, whether that means working in the dining hall, exercising at the rec center or hanging out with students.
“Jesus was always with people, seeing them, loving them, and having compassion,” Gents reflects. “We want to reflect that in our ministry.”
That time on campus has strengthened community in their church and led to many gospel conversations. “It’s not just about pulling off great events—it’s about being present with people,” Chris says.
What’s Grounding Gents Right Now
In a fast-paced ministry world, Gents has found life-giving rhythms to sustain his walk with Jesus:
Solo Retreats: Every fall, Gents takes a weeklong solo trip to reconnect with God. “It’s just me and the Lord,” he says. “Those times are vital for stepping away from ministry and refueling spiritually.”
The Chosen: Gents recommends this series to anyone looking to connect with the heart of Jesus. “It helps me imagine what it was like to walk with Him and see His love in action,” he shares.
Scripture. Chris is reading Exodus, especially chapters 1 to 15. “It’s incredible to see how the Passover and God’s rescue of Israel point to Jesus,” he says.
Wisdom for Campus Missionaries
For people starting out in campus ministry, Chris offers this advice:
Be a Learner: “Ask for feedback and stay teachable. You don’t have to have it all figured out.”
Live as a child of God. “Your identity isn’t in what you do—it’s in who you are. God sees you as His beloved child.”
Prioritize Presence: “Get on campus. Be with people. Let them see Jesus through your life.
A Final Word
Looking back, Chris keeps coming back to one thing: “Jesus wants to be with us. That’s His heart—to dwell with His people. And that’s what we’re called to reflect in ministry.”
His encouragement to others: “Live as a child of God. You’re not just a pastor or a missionary—you’re His beloved. Rest in that, and let it fuel everything you do.”
Chris's story points to ministry built on people, presence and the love of Christ more than on programs or achievements.
Guests & resources
Meet the guest
- Chris Gentz
H2O Kalamazoo