Known for being a jack of all trades, Laura Crate is no stranger to jumping from role to role in her life. Whether she’s working as a small group pastor or training her clients to become their best physical selves, or even preparing dinner for her husband and family, Laura embodies what it means to be a woman of many ventures, and yet wholly devoted to serving the Lord and church body. These days, Laura has added an additional role to her growing list of priorities and skills – student. Only a few classes away from finishing her B.S. in Psychology degree, Laura sees this new endeavor as the chance to fortify her passions of service, community, leadership and counseling for those around her. 

New England Girl Turned Dallas Gal

Self-proclaimed as a ‘New England girl,’ Laura grew up on the coast of Maine alongside her family and father, who was a pastor. Growing up as the typical pastor kid, Laura says she was exposed to the beauties of ministry as well as the spiritual gifts she had of leading women and men closer to the Lord. She specifically noticed this gift through the power of her singing. Leading her church’s worship for several years, Laura realized that she was destined to become a worship leader. Fast forward a few years, Laura found herself married to a worship leader. Together they were a power couple focused on bringing glory to God. Add in the possibility of having a few kids, and there it was: Laura’s new life. Wife, mom, leader and singer – all rolled into one. 

“That was my life,” Laura said. “I was trying to do it all, and while it was hectic at times, it was truly a wonderful experience to see God work in my life in so many ways.” 

After a few years, the Crates felt a tug. They were being called to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Unsure of what life would be like, God began to open doors, and soon, Laura and her husband found work. Within months, the Crates were moving across the country. Over the next couple of months, Laura started to wonder what she was supposed to do. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she still enjoyed working with people. So, she earned her training license and began working as a personal trainer in the Dallas area. Loving to see her clients thrive, Laura knew she was meant to do vocational work: she had to find a way to work and serve simultaneously. 

“I always wanted to work and serve, lead and serve,” Laura said. “I was taught that serving the church isn’t necessarily all-or-nothing. Serving the church is a lifetime mission.” 

Beginning to volunteer at her local church, Laura started to lead again. First, as a volunteer leader for the Small Group ministry and then, as pastor of the small group ministry. Enjoying her time working with fellow volunteers and pastors on the church’s needs, Laura started to see a big difference between those who earned a degree and those who didn’t. To her, those who held one saw, thought and processed information and conflicts better; she wanted to be like that, too. 

Achieving Her Next Goal

Before kids and the big move, Laura attended college ‘on and off.’ Seeing the need for her husband to finish his degree first, Laura didn’t really think about returning (or the ability to) until later on in life. But that moment had finally arrived. 

“College was something I wanted to do but it never worked out for me,” Laura said. “Now, even with everything going on, it seemed like the right time to do it.” 

Searching across the web for what degree she should pursue, it didn’t take long for Laura to be sure she wanted to study psychology. Having been raised in the ministry field and working with small adult groups, Laura saw it as a no-brainer. She was bound and determined to get her psychology degree, no matter how long it took. Following the steps of her philosophical role models, including Dr. Curt Thompson and Dallas Albert Willard, Laura saw this opportunity to merge her love for Christian theology with her heart for people. Being a prime example of how therapy and psychology can help us better understand our walk with the Lord, Laura began searching for programs that would allow her to dive deeper into her passions – and there she found ACU Online. From her professors to her colleagues, Laura knew she was at the right place to pursue her lifelong dream.  

“ACU Online was the space where I needed to be,” Laura said. “I plan to continue my education even after graduation, so ACU was a great place for me to start that journey. That’s why I selected it – it had what I needed to get to the next level in my career and spiritual walk.” 

Now, completing her junior year, Laura is already on the hunt for her next degree. To her, education means more than just earning a title; it’s a gateway into a world of knowledge. And for a learner like her, it’s the best gift in the world. 

“I plan to keep studying and going all the way for my Ph.D,” Laura said. “I want to work in the academic space. I really don’t see what can stand in my way right now. I have the support, I feel the calling and I’m going to follow it.” 

Are you someone who’s ready to pursue their dream degree? No matter your age or credit hours, ACU Online is the best place to earn your online degree on your time and schedule. Whether you’re picking up where you left off or starting fresh, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Visit our website for more information!