麻豆传媒

For Joshua Michael, attending 麻豆传媒 (PBA) was never just about earning a degree. It was about stepping into a story that began even before he was born.

In the 1980s, his parents, Margo and Jay Michael, first walked the campus together. It was there that they met, built lasting friendships, and became part of a Christ-centered community that has stayed with them, decades later. Jay graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1988, while Margo completed her college degree at another institution. Both credit PBA with giving them a solid biblical foundation. Over the years, they鈥檝e often encouraged friends鈥� children to consider PBA when looking for a Christian university in Florida.

So, when Joshua, the oldest of their three children, began thinking about graduate school, the decision felt both natural and meaningful.

鈥淭here鈥檚 something special about walking onto a campus where your parents鈥� story started,鈥� he said. 鈥淜nowing how much it shaped their lives made it feel like home before I even began.鈥�

Before pursuing his Master of Divinity (MDiv), Joshua served in both the Navy and the Coast Guard. It was there that he learned discipline and his desire to serve others in high-pressure moments grew. But over time, that call grew into something more.

鈥淚 knew I wanted to keep serving people, just in a different way,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always been drawn to helping others through the hard stuff, the 鈥榚mergency鈥� moments of life. I wanted to be someone who could show up with both a level head and a Jesus-centered life,鈥� he said.

This May, 20 other MDiv graduates will receive their diplomas.

Family and Prayer Support

Balancing graduate studies with his current work in art and furniture installation across South Florida wasn鈥檛 easy. The pace was demanding, and the expectations were high. But for Joshua, the challenge was part of the growth.

鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just about reading old books,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was about learning how those ideas actually help people in real life.鈥�

Throughout the journey, Joshua leaned heavily on his support system. His wife and her family offered constant encouragement, especially during long nights of studying. Mentors from his military days continued to influence him, reminding him to stay steady and persevere. And his parents are part of that support team that has prayed him to the finish line.

One of his most meaningful moments at PBA came during his final speaking assignment last November. Standing there, reflecting on everything he had learned, he felt the weight, and the joy, of his time studying at PBA .

鈥淚t felt like a full-circle moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 realized how much I had grown, and it felt like I was honoring the legacy my parents started here years ago.鈥�

One thing Joshua remarks about by the university鈥檚 culture he appreciates the most is how it uniquely integrates faith and learning.

鈥淎t some places, it feels like you have to choose between your faith and your education,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut at PBA, they go hand in hand.鈥�

Like so many grads, Joshua is looking forward to crossing that stage with his diploma in hand. He is also looking forward to a future in pastoral care, likely in a congregational setting. His goal is simple but meaningful: to walk alongside individuals and families in times of crisis and offer steady, compassionate support.

For the Michael family, Joshua鈥檚 graduation is more than a personal achievement, it鈥檚 a continuation of a legacy that began more than 30 years ago. And for Joshua, it鈥檚 just the beginning.

For More Information on PBA鈥檚 Master of Divinity Program, visit: /academics/schools/ministry/programs/master-divinity/.