Name: Karl Baker
Vista Job Title: College Pastor
I am a Texas transplant, having spent the majority of my upbringing in Pennsylvania. I moved to Graham, TX in high school and met my now wife, Melanie. We came to UMHB together, graduating in 2014. After getting married, we moved to Chicago for two years while I attended Moody Theological Seminary and received a Masters in Ministry Leadership. We moved back to the Belton/Temple area in 2016 when I took a job working in the Spiritual Life department at UMHB. I am still continuing my education, as I am taking classes towards a Master of Divinity at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Melanie currently works at Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center in Belton.
Upon returning to the area, we jumped right back in at Vista, where we attended church during college (shoutout to the days at CTCS!). We lead a college small group and have loved serving in that capacity. Vista is a place that valued and mentored us as college students and we are are excited and thankful we get to do that now. This new role as College Pastor is such an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to continuing to minister and disciple college students in our area.
Our family has recently grown as our son, Brazos, was born on May 8, 2018. A new job and a new baby have made for a very exciting summer!
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
Suits, The Americans, Mr. Robot
Top Reads?
- How God Became King – NT Wright
- Farewell to Mars – Brian Zahnd
- Strong and Weak – Andy Crouch
- Braving the Wilderness – Brene Brown
- I'm Still Here – Austin Channing Brown
First job?
Custodian- cleaning bathrooms in a men's college dorm
Describe your favorite place in the world
As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Wrigley Field in Chicago
What aspect of college ministry are you most passionate about?
Seeing college students taking risks, asking questions, and learning how their faith can impact their career and future aspirations.
What are you most excited about as you join the Vista team?
Working with a staff that is trying to do unique and creative things so that more people may understand and know the love of Christ.
Follow along at @karljbaker on Twitter and Instagram (and see our cute baby Brazos)
