Alumni Spotlight
Alex Bryant ’95
Majors: Management and Biblical Studies
Occupation: Student Ministries Pastor, First Assembly of God, Ft. Myers, Florida
Alex Bryant, a four-year football letterman at Evangel University, had the unique privilege of being on the Crusader team that played the first three exhibition football games in China (1991).
“Most of my favorite memories about Evangel revolve around the football program,” Alex said. “Walking on the Great Wall of China, singing with the football ministry team in several large churches, the talks with my stretching buddy Jerry Knowles during practice, hanging with the guys on Scott First North—it’s all good! However, my most favorite memory is when the football team beat Baker University on the last play of the game in 1992. We were down by 7 points and scored on a Hail Mary pass to Gavin Jones who caught it after it was tipped. We then went for the 2-point conversion and won the game when tailback Derrick Clark made a throwback pass to quarterback John Skeans.”
Alex graduated from Evangel in 1995 with majors in business management and biblical studies.
He credits several Evangel professors with helping to shape his worldview and for impacting his life.
“Mrs. Elizabeth Fletcher and Mr. Dale Manke taught me a lot about business and management that helped me for the nine years I was in the business world, working at a Fortune 500 company,” Alex said.
Upon graduating, Alex began a nine-year career in sales at MCI Telecommunications. Working at MCI taught Alex invaluable lessons on leadership and excellence. As a sales manager supervising more than 125 people, he earned the respect of his superiors, employees and peers. At MCI, Alex was known as a great leader and a Christian businessman. People respected his stand on tough issues such as social drinking and personal integrity in the corporate environment.
Alex left MCI in the summer of 2003 to pursue his calling into full-time ministry.
After leaving MCI, Alex and his wife, Angela, served as Residence Hall Directors at Evangel University. Spending time living among the students gave Alex a fresh insight into their perspective and the challenges facing them today. Humor and a direct in-your-face approach are Alex’s secret weapons in reaching out to today’s youth. In return he earns their trust, respect and the opportunity to speak to their lives.
Alex became a part of James River Assembly of God in Ozark, MO, in September 1992. He served in a variety of roles including youth leader, usher, choir member, adult Bible Fellowship teacher and most recently, assistant youth pastor.
After serving more than 13 years at James River Assembly, Alex and Angela made a move to Ft. Myers, FL. Alex is the Student Ministries Pastor, Kaio Student Ministries at First Assembly Ministries, serving with Pastor Dan Betzer. They hold weekly services for the high school students as well as a Sunday night worship service and coffeehouse ministry to college students and young adults.
“Dr. Michael Palmer and Dr. Milt Krans taught me about philosophy and biblical studies—these principles help lead and guide me while I’m in the ministry,” Alex said. “They taught me what it’s like to have a worldview and to realize my purpose in life. It’s not about me or what I necessarily want—it’s about finding God’s will for my life and striving to live that out.”
In addition to keeping up with the demands of the ministry, Alex and Angela keep busy with their three young sons, six-year-old Trey, three-year-old Michael, and two-month-old Mason.