Dale Gruver ’01

Music

Biography

After graduating, I worked as a worship arts pastor for 15 years. In 2016, I stepped into the role of senior pastor. My denominational affiliation is Church of God—Anderson.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Taylor Sounds and Taylor Chorale, four years living on 2nd Bergwall, overseas and domestic tours.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

The one-on-one interaction with faculty allowed me to ask questions and explore ideas further than a lecture.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Taylor teaches you that the whole church really can be one, just like Jesus prayed we would be. Taylor, being interdenominational, forces you to think and interact with other Christians from outside the denomination you grew up in. This has benefited me in ministry because I am not in the dark when matters of church teaching and doctrine arise.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Value relationships with your professors. You will need those people in hard times after you leave Upland. Keep in touch with them.