Judson Graduate Spotlight: A Conversation with Micah Conner

Why did you choose to study at Judson College?

When I was three years old, my parents moved to Mexico to serve as IMB missionaries, a decision that shaped my entire upbringing and identity. I grew up as a missionary kid in villages where ministry was woven into daily life, relationships, and culture, not just Sundays. Much of my childhood was spent in churches and ministry alongside my parents as they helped plant churches in unreached areas of Mexico.

Living in places where there was little to no gospel presence, shaped my understanding of the Great Commission in a deeply personal way. I grew up navigating multiple cultures and languages, holding an American passport while developing what I would call a deep Mexican heart.

Because of that background, I was drawn to Judson College, a place where faith is not separated from education but fully integrated into it. I wanted to grow in Christ while being equipped spiritually and academically for whatever God calls me to next.

What aspects of your education at Judson were particularly formative or encouraging to you?

One of the most formative parts of my education at Judson was the way faith and leadership were lived out in community. My involvement in the house system, especially helping found Brainerd House and serving as both fellow and later chancellor, shaped me more than I expected.

Those roles taught me that leadership is not just structure or responsibility but presence, care, and intentional investment in people. I learned to love people well while staying grounded in the Lord. I recognize that he is constantly at work even when we are not intentionally seeking him; oftentimes he worked in my life through house members, leaders, and friends around me.

A key lesson instilled in the education at Judson is that the Lord remains present and actively seeking us and that staying connected to him is essential. Christ is the true priority, and time with him gives us the strength we need to lead well. I also learned the importance of community, good friends, joy in service, and working hard. And of course, we learn to never forget to have fun along the way.

How has your time at Judson challenged you to give your life for the cause of Christ, wherever he calls you?

Growing up in Mexico already gave me firsthand experience in long-term, relational ministry in spiritually unreached places. I saw patience, perseverance, and the slow work of church planting where the gospel was not widely known.

At Judson, I instantly fell in love with the school. It was not just because of the great historic campus or the people in my very small class, coming in toward the tail end of COVID when the world was still filled with uncertainty and distance. It was because I had never experienced a place that contained so many people with the same mindset and drive for the Lord. Even though I did not know many people my first semester, I had never felt so loved and cared for. Even from people I did not know, I could sense the love of Christ no matter who I was with, and it was indescribable. That is a big reason why I joined Brainerd House and desired to reflect the call and love I knew God had for my life, as well as kindness and love of others.

Judson did not just affirm my calling; it challenged me to move from appreciation to action and full surrender to Christ’s mission wherever he leads. Through leadership in Brainerd House, I was pushed to carry that same mindset into every area of life. I began to see more clearly that following Christ is not limited to a location or a specific type of ministry but extends into every sphere of life. Serving in leadership reinforced the importance of humility, faithfulness, and dependence on the Lord. I was reminded that I cannot pour out from an empty cup; my relationship with Christ must remain central. Even in difficulty, he is present, sustaining me and leading me forward. This has also shaped my view of counseling, not just as a profession, but as a ministry where I can live out my faith by walking with others, reflecting Christ’s love, and serving wherever he calls me. This shifted my focus from comfort to obedience wherever God places me.

Which classes, professors, or memories stand out to you the most?

One of the most meaningful parts of my time at Judson was serving in the house system, especially helping found Brainerd House and serving as both fellow and chancellor. Those experiences were deeply formative in teaching me responsibility, consistency, and how to build strong, Christ-centered community.

Beyond formal roles, what stands out most are the relationships formed along the way. Being in an environment where both faculty and students genuinely love Christ created space for real growth. Through house members, leaders, and friends, I consistently saw the Lord at work in everyday moments of encouragement, correction, and support.

Those relationships shaped how I think about leadership, discipleship, and Christian community. In addition, the counseling classes I have been blessed to take over the years have deeply grown me and confirmed my calling in a clear way. They have helped me see that this is truly what the Lord is leading me to pursue with my life.

One of the most meaningful professors to me has been Dr. Tate Cockrell. Through his teaching, I learned to understand how Scripture and theology form the foundation and substance of counseling. His classes emphasized biblical concepts for understanding people and their struggles, as well as biblical methods of change that can be applied in any situation.

How have you grown in your understanding of the Great Commission and its relationship to your field of study?

At Judson I grew in recognizing that the Great Commission applies to every believer in every context. Through both leadership opportunities and academic experiences, I began to see more clearly how communication, leadership, and relationships all play a role in making disciples.

Judson did not just deepen my understanding; it challenged me to move from awareness to action and full surrender to the mission of Christ. I realize that the Lord is constantly at work, even when he is not overtly sought, and that he continues to draw people to himself through everyday interactions. This shaped my perspective to see that everything I learn and every responsibility I carry can be used to point others toward Christ, both in formal ministry and in daily life, wherever he calls me.

How do you hope to use your degree now that you’ve graduated?

In coming to this school, I felt a clear call to ministry which led me to pursue both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Christian counseling through the five-year licensure track program. I believe the Lord has given me a deep desire to help those who cannot help themselves, and that calling has not wavered. If anything, my time here has only strengthened and clarified it.

My hope is to walk with people in compassion, truth, and care, listening well, speaking gently, and pointing them toward something better. I want my work in counseling to reflect Christ in both word and action, meeting people where they are while faithfully guiding them toward hope and healing.

At the same time, I want to remain rooted in him daily, remembering that he is the priority and that I cannot serve others well without first abiding in him. Whether counseling part-time, full-time, or even on the other side of the world, my desire is to live with open hands in full surrender wherever he calls me, reflecting the patience, presence, and faithfulness I have seen throughout my life.

How can your Southeastern and Judson family be praying for you?

Please pray that I would continue to grow in my faith as I enter a new and unfamiliar season of life. Transition brings both excitement and uncertainty, and I desire to remain grounded in Christ through it all.

Pray that I would continue growing as a servant leader who loves people well, stays humble, and remains faithful to God’s calling. Pray also that I would keep the Lord as my daily priority, staying filled through time with him so I can serve others from a place of spiritual health and dependence on him, living each day in obedience and surrender to his leading.

Lastly, pray that I would trust God fully with my future, remembering that he is always present, always leading, and constantly at work, even when I do not recognize it. I want to live with open hands, ready to follow wherever he calls me.