Don Welch has been a follower of Jesus for 51 years! Growing up Don ran tour boats through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan as part of his family’s tourism business. It is a harsh, cold winter with not a lot of people around, but in that small-town Don encountered Christ during the Jesus Movement in the early 70’s!
Don decided he wanted to enter the ministry and enrolled at Great Lakes Christian College in 1972 with a major in New Testament and minors in Old Testament and Ancient Languages. Don loved school and attempted to earn a master’s degree from Trinity Theological Seminary but was never able to finish.
Don met and married Ruth in 1982 and in 1996, they answered God’s call to pastor a small church in Stuart, Florida. The church grew from twenty to one hundred seventy-five regular attenders. Then the Lord led Don from there to the public school system. Where he has been teaching high school social studies for nineteen years.
Don and Ruth are serving today at Calvary Chapel Palm City, Florida, Don is one of the elders and Bible teachers.
“In 2016 one of the pastors at our church encouraged me to finish up my master’s work. My family fully supported the idea. I have been excited to renew my mind, refresh my spirit, and study God’s Word. CCU is challenging, with great courses and professors. I am thrilled to be able to finish my Masters after 36 years. I would encourage any and every one to invest their lives in God’s Word, through the courses offered at Calvary Chapel University!”