Our graduates are called, transformed, and sent to lead a life of eternal impact, and we love celebrating the life change they get to be a part of through the local church!
INTRODUCING
Rece Jackson
2023 Highlands College Graduate
Rece Jackson, a 2023 graduate of Highlands College, is the Central Student Director & College Groups Director at Union Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
Keep reading to learn more about Rece, how his time in Highlands College prepared him for where he is today, advice for those who feel called to ministry, and how God is moving in Baltimore.
What do you love about your role?
I absolutely love being able to cultivate spaces for all students to be discipled. I love being able to interact with middle school and high school students through small groups, Sunday mornings in the lobby, and during our monthly Student Nights! There is something so refreshing and humbling about interacting with the next generation. From the laughs, to the serious conversations, to the questions you were not expecting a middle schooler to ask, I am able to see God so clearly at work through students.
What do you love about Baltimore?
I love how living in Baltimore City is the exact opposite of what I am used to. Spending the majority of my life in the South, I grew accustomed to living away from big cities. Being in Baltimore has broadened my perspective on life in general. It’s exposed me to foods that I did not know I loved, activities that I did not know I enjoyed such as going on runs by the Inner Harbor. Living in Baltimore has allowed me to make Maryland a home.
How did you get connected to Union Church?
I met Pastor Stephen Chandler, the senior pastor of Union Church, at Highlands College during a roundtable event. I had the opportunity to connect with him. Later in the following semester, I had the opportunity to honor him on stage before a weekly chapel. From that day, we’ve stayed in contact, and when I began thinking about placement, I knew I wanted to work under a leader like Pastor Stephen.
What do you see God doing through Union Church?
I believe God is reviving the love for His Church and community through Union. We’ve been growing in such an amazing way, and I believe it is because people are desperate for God. Not only in numbers, but also in quality of life, people are seeking freedom in their own lives. Union Church feels like a lighthouse that is attracting many people back to God.
Rece with friends at an HC chapel.
Rece speaking in a chapel huddle.
Worshiping with student during Sunday morning worship.
As you reflect on your time at Highlands College, what are some of your favorite memories?
My favorite memories are always from the community I had during HC! From lunch in Greystone with friends to setting up the portable (Church of the Highlands) Woodlawn Campus with my peers and leaders. I loved being able to truly “do life” with friends and leaders. To be specific, some of my favorite memories from Highlands College are serving with on the Students Team at Woodlawn, weekly intramural sports, and small groups with the same group of friends that I served and became good friends with.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is going on a run around the Inner Harbor, reading a good book, either talking with family and friends on the phone or visiting in person with them, taking naps, and watching football on TV.
What are you most excited about for the future?
There have been several students & leaders who have come up to me at different moments, expressing how their interaction with me changed their lives in a way. Not that I am anything special, but how God is on the move in our lives. From students wanting to commit suicide before coming to a Student Night to leaders expressing, they haven’t felt this safe and welcomed in years, God is on the move. I just pray this story fans the flame in my peers’ lives across the world. God is on the move through you, continue to grow closer to Him, and He’ll continue to do what He does best, be God.
Praying of middle schooler and High schoolers during monthly Student Night.
Student Night transitioning into worship.
Looking Ahead
Rece’s journey shows how God continues to work through Highlands College alumni, equipping them to make an eternal impact. We look forward to seeing how Rece continues to grow, plant seeds in the harvest field, and build the local church.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know one of our amazing Highlands College alums. Learn more about Highlands College and how you can connect to our incredible network of graduates around the world.
Baptizing a young adult after a Sunday service at Union Church’s Falls Church, Virginia location.
Rece with HC Alum Natji.
Rece with his expedition team.