The Power of Presence - Embracing the Call to Ministry (w/ Chris Gentz)
What happens when you blend a heart for Jesus, a love for people, and a passion for the mission field of college campuses? You get Pastor Chris Gents—a missionary, pastor, and leader on staff with H2O Kalamazoo at Western Michigan University. Gents’ story is one of discovering his calling, wrestling with identity, and committing to living out the gospel in the vibrant and challenging world of campus ministry.
In this episode of the Collegiate Church Network Podcast, host Jay Bennet talks with Gents about his 16 years of ministry, the journey to planting a church at Western Michigan University, and the lessons he’s learned about presence, identity, and trusting God. Gents’ story is candid, inspiring, and packed with wisdom for anyone looking to make a lasting impact.
From Lukewarm to On Fire
Gents didn’t arrive at the University of Michigan planning to pursue ministry. In his words, “I was a lukewarm Christian. One day Jesus will tell me where I was really at.” But everything changed when he found a vibrant campus church that introduced him to authentic Christian community.
“Seeing other students my age worshiping Jesus was incredible,” he recalls. “It made me realize there was something different here.” That difference ignited a passion for the gospel and a heart for sharing it with others.
Through two summer internships with Collegiate’s Leadership Training (LT) program, Gents caught the vision for campus ministry. “I learned how to share the gospel, live in community, and grow as a young believer,” he says. By the end of his internships, he knew he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others encounter Jesus.
A Vision for Church Planting
The seeds of church planting were planted early in Gents’ ministry. His church at the University of Michigan had a culture of sending out teams to start new works on other campuses. “We talked about church planting all the time,” Gents 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.
But one moment on a site visit to Western Michigan University solidified 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,’” Gents 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
One of Gents’ most significant takeaways from ministry has been 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 working in the dining hall, exercising at the rec center, or simply 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.”
This intentional presence has strengthened community within their church and opened doors for countless gospel conversations. “It’s not just about pulling off great events—it’s about being present with people,” Gents emphasizes.
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: Gents is currently captivated by the book of Exodus, particularly chapters 1–15. “It’s incredible to see how the Passover and God’s rescue of Israel point to Jesus,” he says.
Wisdom for Campus Missionaries
For those entering campus ministry, Gents 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
As Gents reflects on his journey, one truth stands out: “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 is simple yet profound: “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.”
Gents’ story is a powerful reminder that the work of ministry isn’t about programs or achievements—it’s about people, presence, and pointing others to the love of Christ.
