Faculty Spotlight: Ray Meadows

Ray Meadows is a professor at Grand Canyon University for the College of Theology. Learn all about the man himself, his role with the college and advice he has for students in our spotlight below!

Tell us a little about your background.

I came to a personal relationship with Jesus when I was around eight years old. My father was a pastor, so I grew up in and around church life. I have been married for 24 years to the same awesome lady and we have three grown children and one grandchild, four dogs, a cat and two fish!

Since 2003 I have served in vocational ministry, primarily planting churches and focusing on my passion – missions! My wife and I and our team are currently planting CrossLife Church in Anthem Arizona. We previously planted a multi-housing church in Memphis, Tennessee and later pastored a multicultural, inner-city church plant in Schenectady, New York. While in New York, I served on the Hudson Baptist Association’s church planting team for eastern NY, and as Creative Ministries Coordinator, helping churches develop strategies for evangelizing their communities. I currently train church planters for the North American Mission Board here in Arizona. I’ve also served in many other capacities in local churches.

Before being called into ministry, I worked for over 20 years in technology as a systems analyst/programmer, a network manager and many other areas in Information Systems. For several years I had my own systems consulting, design and management company.

My education includes an MDiv and PhD from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, an MS in Information Systems from Mississippi State University and a BS from University of West Alabama. I have taught information systems and theological courses, as well as served on staff at colleges, universities and seminaries in MS, AL, TN, NY and now Arizona! Go Lopes!

My current research interests include the theology of missions, the intersection of science and theology, and apologetics in post-Christian culture.

What is your role within the College of Theology?

Currently, I serve as an online Instructor, teaching Christian World View for the College of Theology. In these courses, we get to help and encourage students from all over the country as they learn the Christian world view and evaluate their own personal world views. I have also taught some on-ground and residency courses here at GCU. Getting to know the great students who attend GCU is the best part of working here!

What advice would I give to my students?

I think the most important asset a student can have is a passion to learn. This can be developed, and it greatly helps students to achieve their educational goals. Another practical tip I would like to share is this: In my experience, it is the students who quickly learn a strategy for personal success and develop the discipline to follow it that achieve their goals most often. So, develop a passion to learn, find a strategy that works for you and have the discipline to finish, and you will achieve your educational goals!

At Grand Canyon University, our faculty is committed to the success of all students. To learn more about our College of Theology, please visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.