The end of Fellows Class XX draws near, and I find myself reflecting on the past nine months—watching people grow and encourage one another in that growth. After a full day of final presentations, where half the class presented before the other half, I remember the cheering from the audience, the chants from each presenter’s house, and the shouts as they walked onto the stage, dressed and confident. I have laughed with these people, and I have cried in their arms. The community I have been blessed to live in over these months has shown me what a true biblical community looks like.
A biblical community is not one that simply gathers on Sundays, presents perfection, and then returns to the world unchanged on Monday. That is what I once believed. Instead, it is a community that comes as it is—imperfect but willing—to grow and pursue the Lord together.
It is people who bring everything with them and, side by side, lay it all at the feet of Jesus.
Throughout this year, I have practiced both vulnerability and encouragement. In discipleship and friendship, I shared my struggles, my worries, and even my concerns about grades. I also learned accountability—both receiving it and giving it. In the past, I resisted this, believing everything depended on me alone. But witnessing accountability within a safe and loving community has allowed me to experience a glimpse of how Jesus loves and cares for me. Because of this, I have learned to lean on Him more fully, trusting Him in every hill and every valley. My faith in God has been strengthened.
During my time at Impact, God has given me friendships that have sharpened and refined me. They have reshaped my understanding of both people and friendship. I came to Impact with one goal: to learn how to defend my faith. I avoided building friendships out of fear—fear that they would end the same way past ones had. But this community has supported me through every new revelation, as I relearned my faith after leaving a church that taught false theology. They challenged beliefs I once held as truth, always pointing me back to Scripture. 
This experience has not been without difficulty. Living closely with others in a broken world brings conflict. Yet through this, I have learned to forgive more quickly—especially when issues are addressed honestly and apologies are given. I have learned how to handle conflict, both personally and when helping others navigate it. More than anything, I have gained a deeper understanding of God’s grace. The Lord has also taught me humility by allowing others to step into leadership roles I once would have taken immediately. I am learning to share leadership and support others in it.
Looking ahead, I desire to do everything for the glory of God—whether in my work, my relationships, or my words. I want my life to reflect Him and to help build biblical community wherever I go. I want to create spaces where people feel safe to ask questions, grow in their faith, and pursue truth. I also intend to remain ready to defend my faith whenever I am asked. My hope is to cultivate a Christ-centered community within my present and future family—one fully rooted in God.
Do everything for the Glory of God, and steward every second you have with the people you love.
Michelle Zolliecoffer
Current Fellow, Class XX