Taylor Mendoza

Quick Facts

Program: Bachelor of Applied Theology
Graduation Year: 2016
Current Job Title: Director of Student Ministries at Northpoint Evangelical Free Church
Hometown: Corona, CA
Current City: Corona, CA

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
As someone who desired pastoral ministry I didn’t want just any education, I wanted a deeply theological and evangelical education that trained me to be a pastor-theologian. The Bachelor of Applied Theology program at CBU seemed to fit this definition most clearly. My greatest interest lies with the local church who is need of pastors with a robust theological education.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
There are three things that I liked the most about CBU’s BAT program. First, evangelical theology and practice permeates every aspect of the program. Secondly, there is an intense desire for the building up of the body of Christ (i.e. the Church). Lastly, the professors balance incredible theological work with one-on-one mentoring.

What did you think about your professors?
All of my professors are world-class scholars in their respective fields, yet at the same time have invested in the lives of their students. I felt trained, taught, and especially cared for by all of the professors.

Did you complete an internship?
I completed my internship at Northpoint Evangelical Free Church in Corona where I am currently the director of student ministries. The School of Christian Ministries partnered with my local church for the benefit of my training.

Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
Being a commuter, most of my participation involved my local church rather than CBU, yet I participated in a variety of extracurricular activities at CBU. I played various intermural sports, attended some of the sporting events and was a part of the ministry fair. All of these experiences were wonderful and encouraging, since I felt like a theological-student with a life!

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
Spiritually I came into the BAT program with a love for Jesus Christ, but I left the BAT program with a deep-seated conviction for the love of Christ to permeate every area of my life. Socially I learned how to interact with others who did not grow up in the same theological tradition as I did, I learned that patience, kindness, and forbearance are all good Christian virtues. Educationally I learned a lot. I learned how to read well, how to answer and ask the right questions, and I certainly learned how to not waste my life. 

Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
I can’t say that my major helped me figure out my purpose, but I can say that it did solidify and root my purpose. Everything that I learned only took what I already had and placed deep and vibrant roots in my heart, so that who I am today is shaped by what I learned in the BAT program.

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
Since graduating I have attended seminary at The Master’s Seminary and have gotten a new job at my church as the director of student ministries. I also began writing regularly for a subsection of the Gospel Coalition called “Rooted” which seeks to explore various topics in the youth ministry world. This means that God has granted me with the opportunity to shepherd college, high school and junior high students. He has also allowed me to attend seminary to work on the biblical languages, exegesis and church history. And finally, he has given me a humble platform to continue to engage in conversation with those who do youth ministry.

How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My preparation at CBU has greatly prepared me for seminary and church life afterwards. I can say that I love the church because of the BAT program, and through my hard, theological work I have an edge in seminary.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
There are many things that I learned at CBU that I can use in my professional life today. Everything from theology applicable for the local church, to mentoring strategies. In honest the list is endless.

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I believe I am living my purpose out in the context of the local church. I believe that God has called me to preach, counsel and shepherd God’s people. As I make steps towards full-time vocational ministry I have been blessed by the youth of Northpoint Evangelical Free Church. As I share the gospel and preach the Word of God to youth students the fruit of salvation and growth in holiness is evident. When I see souls won to Christ I know that I am making a difference through the power that God wonderfully supplies.

Would you recommend CBU to others?
I would recommend CBU for three reasons. First, CBU has a beautiful campus and a friendly atmosphere. Secondly, CBU is dedicated to the one true gospel of Jesus Christ. Thirdly, CBU provides the right programs and academic courses in order for you to live your purpose for the glory of God.