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
Annalisa Ortiz
2025 Highlands College Graduate
As a Class of 2025 Highlands College graduate, Annalisa Ortiz is stepping into a bold new chapter marked by faith, purpose, and a deep desire to walk in obedience to God’s call. After spending the summer in Colorado, she will head to Chandler, Arizona, to help plant Spirit Church alongside Pastors Brad and Paige Straarup, leaders who played a key role in her journey at HC.
As a Conference and Events Coordinator, Annalisa is stepping into the foundational days of building a life-giving church from the ground up. It’s a role that reflects her passions, purpose, and personal mission: that there is more of God to know, experience, and share. Through her training at Highlands College, she’s equipped to lead with humility, serve faithfully, and step confidently into this new season.
Let’s hear how God led her to this opportunity, what she’s believing for, and the lessons from HC she’s carrying into her next season.
Can you tell us about the church plant you’re joining and your role?
I’ll join Spirit Church in Chandler, Arizona, led by Pastors Brad and Paige Straarup. Brad was one of the most impactful speakers I encountered at Highlands College, and if there are two people I hope to model my life after, it’s Brad and Paige. Their leadership and heart for people inspire me deeply.
Spirit Church is where I’ll get to pour into others and be poured into by mentors who care just as much about my personal health as they do the health of the church. I’ll be stepping into the role of Conference and Events Coordinator, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!
How did you get connected to this opportunity, and what made you say yes?
I first heard that Pastor Brad was planting a church in Arizona while I was preparing to return to a church where I had previously interned. But something about Spirit Church kept stirring in my heart. I couldn’t shake it. I reached out to Brad and Paige, and we met for lunch so I could hear their vision firsthand. It immediately resonated with my life mission as they shared their heart for Spirit Church and their belief that “there is more” of God for every person. That phrase is something I’ve carried personally for years, and in that moment, I knew this was the next step God was calling me to take.
What are you most excited about as you step into the early days of planting a church?
I am most excited about the opportunity to be on ground level and build something out of nothing. The Straarups have made it clear that they want me to share my opinions, thoughts, and ideas to help build the church, not just be in it. It will be an incredible experience to come alongside someone and serve the vision God has given them while learning and adding to the process along the way.
Church planting can be both exciting and stretching—how has Highlands College prepared you for this moment?
Highlands College has prepared me for this moment through our Church Structures and Church Systems classes. When I took these classes, I had no intention of helping plant a church, but God used that preparation, even without my knowledge, to equip me for this new season. Expedition also taught me that you can do anything with the right people around you. Even though church planting will be stretching, I can make it through the most challenging moments knowing I have a community that has my back.
Annalisa with her friends after running the Highlands College Half Marathon.
Looking back on your time at HC, what moments or lessons stand out the most?
Looking back at my time at HC, the moment that stands out most was when Brad Straarup taught our Personal Leadership class and told us that God’s will is like choosing an apple or an orange. In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve that they could choose from any of the fruits in the garden, except for the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They did not have to ask if they should have an orange or an apple because God had given them free will to choose either. He told us that we can do whatever we choose as long as it aligns with the guidelines God has given us in His Word. This lesson has stayed with me because it was such a freeing moment to realize that I did not need to stress over God’s will for my life when He gave me the guidelines in His Word to make my decisions.
What part of your training at HC do you think you’ll lean on the most in this next season?
The training I will lean on the most from HC this coming season will likely be my character development. I experienced many challenges personally and academically during my time at Highlands College. I grew so much as an individual in my conflict resolution skills, critical thinking, relationship with the Lord, and adaptability. These will all be assets that will carry me through this new season.
Was there a specific moment when you sensed God confirming this was your next step?
When Brad and Paige shared that the vision is “there is more” in addition to the why behind it, I knew this was my next step. No matter who you are, how much you know, or how long you have been a Christian, there is always more of God to know, learn, and experience. I received this vision for my life during Saturate 2024 during the song “The Dove” by Kari Jobe, which is exactly when Brad and Paige received the same vision but for their church. We both shared stories of how God has been faithful in showing us this in our own lives and how God has already shown up in the small beginnings of Spirit Church. Ultimately, through prayer and counsel, I decided that Spirit Church was my next step toward what God has called me to do.
Annalisa her freshman year Expedition with her team, the “Red Bulls.”
What would you say to a student considering church planting or stepping into something that feels unknown?
Don’t be afraid to do what is uncomfortable; remember that nothing lasts forever! When deciding between an internship at and planting Spirit Church, I had to do a lot of self-reflection. One was the safer and more comfortable choice, as I already had connections, friendships, and a role waiting for me. Spirit Church was the uncomfortable option as I only knew two people and had never lived in Arizona. But God whispered to my heart that through my uncomfortable “yes,” He could bring His comfort to others who do not yet have life-giving relationships or knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I also realized I don’t have to commit to one place forever. God may use me there in one season, but if I move somewhere else eventually, that’s okay. Take the pressure off of figuring out your entire life in a moment!
What’s one thing you’re praying for as you move into this new season?
As I go into this new season, I am praying to find authentic, deep, and fruitful friendships. It will be very important to have a Christian community that will support me through the good days and the hard ones.
Looking Ahead
Annalisa’s story is a powerful testimony of how God is working through Highlands College alumni to make an eternal impact in the local church.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know one of our amazing Highlands College graduates. Learn more about Highlands College and how you can connect to our network of graduates around the world.