By Kalli Kauffman (BA 27)
According to Athletic Director and Principal of Temple Christian School BJ McPheron, Grace College played a key role in his story. Nowadays, he wears his Grace-branded t-shirts and drinks from his favorite Lancer coffee mug daily and even has a Clint bobblehead proudly displayed in his office; McPheron is a proud alumnus. In fact, McPheron would consider his time at Grace “a cornerstone in his journey towards God’s calling in his life.”
Once a major in education, McPheron now uses his platform as principal to promote Christ-centered education at every grade level. Every year, he ushers in a new Grace student from TCS’s graduating class, operating under the motto, “just one more.”
Coming to Grace
McPheron attended a Christian K-12 school, so as he approached college, he knew that a Christian college was nonnegotiable. He applied to multiple colleges, but ultimately, he wanted to follow God’s leading for his major in education.
“My prayer at the time was ‘Lord, wherever I get accepted first, that’s where I’m going,’” said McPheron. “‘I’m not going to make it complicated.’”
The first acceptance letter came from Grace, and that was it. McPheron was becoming a Lancer, and he didn’t look back.During his time at Grace, McPheron became involved in many activities, including weekly Beta Bible studies, four musicals, and a traveling band called Sound Investment.
“College is a time to find different groups of people,” said McPheron. “Find as many different groups to hang out with, get to know them, and walk a Christian walk with them.”
An avid sports lover, McPheron desired to play basketball during his freshman year but soon learned God had other plans. Realizing his talents were more suited for other sports, McPheron joined the golf team and was mentored by coaches Doug Black and Dave Pacheco.
“They are good men of God,” said McPheron. “Anyone who loves sports knows how influential coaches can be.”
In his free time, he continues to follow the Grace basketball team and loves attending the games when he has the opportunity.
Becoming Educated In Education
McPheron always knew he wanted to become a teacher. In his first year at Grace, he pursued an elementary education major, but it soon became clear God was calling him to secondary education.
During his time as a student teacher, McPheron returned to Lima, Ohio, to teach at TCS, the school from which he graduated. McPheron is grateful the School of Education allowed him to student teach outside the area. Dr. Dennis Gaerte, an education professor at the time, drove almost two hours to observe McPheron teaching.
“The school went out of their way for me because they knew that’s where I wanted to be,” said McPheron.
For the next 17 years, he used his major in education to help build God’s kingdom through numerous facets of TCS, working as a sixth-grade teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal. While McPheron never anticipated involvement as an administrator, God continued to open doors that led him to his current principal role.
Consider Christian Education
For McPheron, Christian education has been an opportunity to make Christ known. When McPheron looks back on his experiences, he has learned to obey God’s will no matter the cost. Today, he inspires his students by reflecting Christ in all aspects of his life, in and out of the classroom.
Like McPheron, no matter what your education looks like, God can use your talents for His good. Keep your eyes open and discover what God has for you.
Want to pursue a career in education? Visit Grace to learn more about our majors for teaching.
