A Calling from the Start
Cory Henderson’s journey into ministry didn’t begin in a classroom; it started in the depths of personal transformation. Growing up in an Assemblies of God church, he was immersed in faith from a young age, but it wasn’t until his late teenage years that his relationship with Christ became deeply personal. As a teenager, he struggled with drug addiction and destructive behavior, but at 18, he experienced a life-altering encounter with Christ that changed everything.
“Christ didn’t just save my soul. He saved my life,” Henderson recalls. “At that point, all I wanted to do was help other struggling teenagers find the same hope that I had found. Little did I know, that desire would turn into a lifelong calling.”
His early ministry experience began with youth outreach, passionately investing in the lives of young people who faced similar struggles. His heart for ministry grew as he took on leadership roles, which eventually led him to serve at a church in Panama City. “Our first church was incredibly good to us. It wasn’t always easy, but it was a nine-year journey that shaped me in ways I never expected,” he shares. From there, his path led him to South Carolina, where he served as a youth pastor at Christian Life Church for approximately nine years before stepping into the role of executive pastor.
“I never set out to be in executive leadership, but I felt God leading me in that direction,” he says. “I knew I needed to be better equipped, both theologically and practically, to serve my church at the highest capacity. That’s when I started looking into graduate education.”
The Decision to Pursue Graduate Education
Recognizing his need for further education, Henderson turned to Southeastern University, a school he had known about since childhood due to its strong connection with the Assemblies of God. Having completed his undergraduate degree online through a different Christian university, he longed for a more immersive, community-driven learning experience. When he discovered SEU’s cohort-based Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership (MAML) program, he knew it was the perfect fit.
“The cohort model was what really drew me in,” Henderson explains. “I wanted to grow alongside other pastors who were in the trenches like me, facing the same challenges in ministry that I was. The intensive, discussion-based learning experience was exactly what I needed.”
His experience in SEU’s MAML program exceeded his expectations, equipping him with practical leadership skills while also deepening his theological understanding. “I joined the program for leadership training, but what I walked away with was so much more. The theological studies pushed me to think in ways I never had before and ignited a deeper hunger for learning.”
That hunger led him to continue his education by completing his Master of Divinity (MDiv) at SEU. “The experience I had at SEU was unmatched,” he says, “I reflect on my time at SEU as being the most formative.”
The Lasting Impacts of SEU on Ministry and Leadership
Henderson credits SEU not just for shaping his academic knowledge but also for sharpening his leadership abilities. The relationships he formed with his professors and fellow students played a significant role in his growth.
“Dr. Sam Hemby was an incredible resource when it came to leadership,” he shares. “But the professor who impacted me the most was Dr. Melissa Archer. Her teaching style was excellent, and she had this rare ability to make every student feel seen and valued. Whether it was in the cohort courses or online, she made sure we all received individual attention. That’s something I strive to emulate in my own ministry.”
His studies at SEU proved instrumental when he became the lead pastor at his church. “Stepping into this position has been incredible, but I can honestly say I wouldn’t feel nearly as prepared if it weren’t for the education I received at SEU. My confidence in teaching Scripture has grown immensely, and I lead with more clarity and assurance.”
Balancing Education, Ministry, and Family
While pursuing his degrees, Henderson was also juggling a high-capacity ministry role and raising a family of five. He credits his wife, Joy, for being his steadfast support system throughout the journey. “From the very beginning, Joy fostered an atmosphere of support and celebration in our home. There were early mornings, late nights, and plenty of sacrifices, but we knew it was worth it.”
This experience taught him one of the most valuable lessons about continuing education in ministry. “Whenever someone asks me if they should go back to school, my first question is always: ‘Is your family fully on board?’ If they’re not, it might not be the right season. But if they are, then go full steam ahead.”
A Church Committed to Community Impact
Henderson is passionate about leading a church that makes a tangible impact both locally and globally. His congregation donates over $300,000 per year to global missions and operates a food pantry that serves 120–140 families each week.
One of the ministries closest to his heart is “Because of Love,” a program dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families. Led by his wife, the ministry provides support via prayer, meals, clothing, supplies, maintenance assistance, and financial grants. “We believe James 1:27 isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a mandate for the global Church,” Henderson says passionately. “Every church should be involved in some way.”
A Journey Still Unfolding
Reflecting on his path so far, Henderson acknowledges that his education at SEU was a defining factor in his growth as a pastor and leader. “SEU didn’t just give me degrees; it gave me a deeper understanding of God, a stronger leadership foundation, and lifelong relationships.”
Now, as he continues to lead his church and mentor other pastors, he carries the lessons learned at SEU with him every day. “God has been faithful every step of the way,” he says. “And I’m excited to see what He has in store for the future.”
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