Jonathan Keisler

I'm a slower learner. I always have been. I'm a slow reader and I need a lot of repetition to learn most concepts. When I was around the age of 13, I took pre-algebra and while I knew numbers and I knew letters, I struggled when you put them together. In fact, my middle school math teacher told my parents that I would never get a college degree. What she did not understand was that it is not that I cannot learn, but that I just learn differently—we all do. The truest measure of the ability to learn is whether you will stick with it long enough to make it happen. The same can be said for your faith. I first came to truly know Christ when I was 17 years old on a youth ministry trip. I previously knew of Jesus Christ, but at the time, it was in the same way I know my neighbor three doors down or my kid’s pediatrician. That night, I saw the mercy that God displayed for me when Jesus died on the cross. The intellectual realization that God, the creator of all things, sent His Son to die on my behalf revealed itself. I accepted the gift of salvation that night. It took me 17 years to process what happened on Calvary. After college, I thought I was destined for a “regular job” until I retired. I stayed there for a decade, but all along I kept hearing this voice tell me that I was meant to do something else. That voice grew into a chorus over time. God would not leave me alone. He knew I was feeling unfulfilled. He knew I had a greater purpose. Most importantly, He knew I am a slow learner. I am still slowly learning to walk with Christ on a daily basis by making time to read scripture, pray, and meditate on what God’s direction for my life—even if I do not always exemplify perfect character, or a patient spirit. I am committed to serving God's purpose in my life through all of my shortcomings by growing stronger everyday. The thing about being a slow learner is that you are a steady learner. If you take the time to consider all things, then you’ll be certain of what you truly know. I know now that God was quietly calling me to be a college professor for a long time. He was preparing me all along. I know that I am where I am supposed to be. I'm so glad I made the change. I love being a professor because it does not feel like a job. It is a mission to serve and push students. I consider it a privilege to be a part of such a crucial moment of their lives. I pray that I can help them find God’s purpose in their lives—especially if they’re a slow learner like me. P.S., I attend Church at the Mill. Please feel free to let me know if you'd ever like to join us for a Sunday worship service! You can also watch services at www.churchatthemill.com

My Life

Favorite Quote

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrew 12:11

Friends describe me

Energetic and on the move!

My hobbies

Clemson Tiger football and hanging out with my family

Fantasy dinner guests

My grand dads. I miss them both daily.

Best advice I ever received

Always buy memories (not stuff)

My undergrad alma mater

Clemson University

My worst subject in school

Chemistry (I once caused a lab to be evacuated. I still don't know what I did.)

In college I drove

1996 Mazda B2300 pickup truck

If I weren't a professor, I would

Small business owner and/or farmer

Favorite books

The Bible, WWII and Revolutionary history, etc.

Favorite movies

I LOVE MOVIES! I have way too many favorites to narrow the list down.

Favorite city

Salzburg, Austria among others

Favorite coffee

My next one!

Nobody knows I

...am a Certified Personal Trainer (I am my own client)