We continue our new grad series with Luke Walker, a recent UChicago graduate who's now finishing his Master's in Humanities at UChicago. He reflects on his journey from being a student in our ministry to becoming a team apprentice (a role we totally made up in Chicago). He opens up about the perspective shift of moving behind the scenes—from realizing the tech and planning that goes into service, to learning thankless roles like ProPresenter. Luke discusses how pouring out in ministry has forced him to craft stronger personal spiritual disciplines and the blessings he’s found in a deeper level of Christian service.

We kick off our new grad series with Aaron Besa, who recently graduated from Illinois Tech. Aaron reflects on his upbringing in Chicago, the shift from serving in the church as a "hobby" to developing a personal conviction, and the practical impact that living in a close-knit Christian community has had on his post-grad life.

In this BTS episode, Ruben shares how signing up for a baptism class led him to an unexpected realization: he wasn’t actually a Christian.

Ruben grew up going to church in Brazil and knew all the right habits and language. But when church leaders asked him simple questions about Jesus and how his faith showed up in everyday life, he realized he had never truly surrendered control to Christ. Instead of pretending, he chose to step away from church altogether.

In this conversation, Ruben talks about dechurching during COVID, moving to Chicago for grad school at Northwestern, and how a random flyer and a welcoming community slowly drew him back. He reflects on the difference between inherited faith and personal faith, and what changed when following Jesus stopped being a habit and became a real commitment.

On this episode of dPod, we go behind the staff with Josue: Burkina Faso–born, South Florida–raised, pastor’s kid, Northwestern med student, and Voyage team intern. We talk about finally settling how to say his name, growing up in a loud, joyful church, wrestling with guilt and salvation after a school shooting, and how the Prodigal Son helped him grasp grace. Josie shares why he chose a 1 hour 40 minute commute and deep church community over a convenient downtown life, what med school cadavers taught him about eternity, and what he’s learning as a new staff intern trying to follow Jesus in grad school.

On this episode of dPod, Josh and Nancy share their journey from being set up by mentors to saying “I do” during the middle of COVID. They talk about the escape room date Josh used as a stress test, the dish-washing expectations that almost caused their first fight, and the infamous “I told you so” moment. They also reflect on parenting Micah and what God has been teaching them as they lead international ministry in Chicago.

In this BTS episode, Joel tells his story: growing up in a Christian home, getting turned off by “just trust God” answers, and throwing himself into school, music, and swimming instead. He shares how God used welcome-week boba, honest talks with mentors, and a spring retreat to break through his resistance. Now a team intern, Joel reflects on staying in Chicago, going to the Loop, Cambodia, and learning that everyone needs the gospel—not just people like him.

Percy and Elaine join DP for a conversation about marriage, communication, and life with their newborn. From the two-van saga to parenting tips that have helped them, like get double of everything, the Chens share their learnings and reflections on marriage and parenthood so far!

Fred and Deborah join DP on the pod to share newlywed stories, what they’ve learned about conflict and communication in marriage, and how their team navigated a huge transition—moving 30+ staff into one building in Morton Grove to better reach all of Chicagoland!