How a Freshman Year Detour Led to a Lifetime of Ministry (w/ Anna Jo)
Anna Jo, a full-time missionary with New Life Church in Ann Arbor, didn’t stumble into church planting—she was born into it. From growing up in Belize as the daughter of missionaries to being involved in multiple church plants across Michigan, Anna’s life has been shaped by a deep-rooted belief that the gospel is worth the cost.
Her early years included supporting newly planted churches in Belize, moving back to the U.S. to plant a church in her hometown, and watching her father faithfully lead new congregations. Through every move and transition, Anna saw firsthand that obedience to Jesus sometimes looks like packing up and starting over—for the sake of others hearing the gospel.
From Biomedical Engineering to Campus Ministry
When Anna arrived at the University of Michigan, she planned to major in biomedical engineering. Her goal? Help people, but indirectly—because she wasn’t sure she liked being around them. But then, she walked to church one Sunday with a group of students and discovered New Life Church. That walk changed everything.
Within a year, Anna had switched her major to psychology and committed to go on staff with the church. What drew her in was the authenticity of Christian community—people who genuinely lived out what Jesus prayed for in John 17. She didn’t just feel welcomed; she felt changed.
A Candid Look at Support Raising and Ministry Finances
One of Anna’s greatest fears entering ministry was support raising. Coming from a conservative background, the concept of asking individuals for financial support felt overwhelming. She began her full-time ministry without completing her initial fundraising goal—something she says was both deeply discouraging and surprisingly redemptive.
God met her through unexpected gifts, part-time work, and, eventually, through her husband Matt’s hopeful faith as they raised support together. “My worst fear happened—I couldn’t finish MTD. And then my second worst fear happened—I needed help. And still, God provided,” Anna shares.
The Importance of Finishing College Before Ministry
Anna emphasized the value of finishing her college degree before stepping fully into vocational ministry. Reliant (the mission agency many Collegiate staff serve through) encourages staff to complete their undergraduate degrees, and Anna found that honoring her academic calling was part of her obedience to God.
“I knew I was going into ministry, but I also felt convicted that I needed to go to class and steward the season I was in,” she said. Her encouragement to others: finish school, get the degree, and trust that God will use it in ways you might not expect.
What It’s Really Like to Join a Church Plant
In 2018, fresh out of college and still fundraising, Anna moved to Kalamazoo to join H2O Church’s new church plant at Western Michigan University. She didn’t have housing secured, didn’t know the city, and didn’t have Wi-Fi. She bounced between parks and libraries just to make calls and raise support. Eventually, she moved in with complete strangers and slowly began building community.
Her early role was simple—do whatever needed to be done. That meant leading a small group, learning how to tear down equipment after church, discipling students, and showing up. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was formative.
When Ministry Is Messy and the Path Isn’t Clear
Being the newest and youngest on a seasoned church planting team was humbling. Anna often wrestled with questions about her value, especially when she didn’t feel like her relational strengths had a place. But God consistently reminded her that her belovedness wasn’t tied to her productivity.
“I realized that even if all I did was help others see that they are loved by God—that was enough,” she shares. The simplicity of that truth became the foundation for her presence and purpose on campus.
Anna believes one of the most overlooked but critical parts of planting a church is team unity. She saw firsthand how disconnection or lack of clarity in vision could impact morale and momentum. She advocates for prioritizing time together as a team and investing in one another’s well-being—because in a church plant, your team is your church.
“Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17. That applies to our staff teams, too,” she says. “It’s our first chance to be a witness—to show how we love one another.” After marrying Matt in 2022, Anna transitioned back to New Life Ann Arbor with a clear desire to one day church plant again. She holds that calling with open hands, waiting for God’s timing.
“There’s always a pull to go,” she says. “Not because I want to leave—but because I’m willing. And I think that willingness is something I need to steward well.”
Encouragement for Those Considering Church Planting
Anna’s advice to others thinking about planting a church on a college campus:
Ask God directly if He is calling you to go. Don’t avoid the question out of fear.
Explore college campuses just for fun. Pray, dream, and ask, “Could I be here?”
Support others even if you’re not the one going. The mission requires both senders and goers.
She also reminds listeners: you don’t have to stop loving your college sports team or your hometown to say yes to church planting. You can carry those parts of yourself into new places.
Personal Rhythms That Sustain Anna’s Ministry
Prayer Walks: “During COVID, I went on hour-long prayer walks every day. That time with God shaped me.”
Book Recommendation: Humility by Andrew Murray – a short, timeless read that grounds her in grace and reminds her of the gentleness of Jesus.
Favorite Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save... He will rejoice over you with singing.” A verse that reminds her of God’s delight in His people.
What Anna Wants You to Know
“The thing I want every listener to know is this: You are the Lord’s beloved. That’s who you are. Take heart, and believe it.”
