On Thursday, September 7, 2023, new and returning students met Pastor Shane Anderson for what may have been the first time at AU Gather in the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC). Anderson started as the Lead Pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC) on July 1, 2023. Before serving as the lead pastor at PMC, Anderson was the senior pastor of the Shenandoah Valley Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church, New Market, VA, for 19 years.
During his welcome at AU Gather, Anderson received a pair of shoes. “They’re Air Jordans,” shared Anderson, “which is more money than I have ever spent on a pair of shoes.” He continued to explain, “well, they were too small, so we’re in the process of exchanging them. I’ve never actually worn them, except to find out they were too small.” However, the small Jordans have not prevented Anderson from becoming a regular at the Andreasen Center for Wellness (the Wellness Center), as Anderson explains, “I like to play basketball and play on most Sunday evenings down at rec at the Andreasen.” Anderson jokingly shared that “My guys would say you’re not here every Sunday night, and that’s true.” However, Anderson has a pretty solid attendance record. “I’ve probably been there, I don’t know, eight times since I’ve been here, so that’s pretty close.”
Anderson continued to share that he has been playing basketball since he was young, sharing “yeah, I guess I started playing when I was ten.” And “[basketball has] probably been my favorite sport.” He added, “I did play for the Cardinals when I came here.” As a Cardinals fan, Anderson shared, “I went to the alumni game this weekend… which I think is the first game they played.” Not only is he a Cardinal, but Anderson has also been enjoying many campus activities with students and staff. “I have even had ‘Sam’s Chicken’ since I got here,” he said. He chuckles while saying “Sam’s Chicken tastes good! but what’s to miss with oil and salt… there’s really no comparison, right?” He also weighed in on the Gazebo and their breakfast burritos: “I do like them, yay.” He continued by sharing that he is team stripple, exclaiming, “Salt strips, those are good!”
The Wellness Center is not the only place Anderson has been participating in campus events. On Thursday, September 14, he also participated in Change Day. “I was a line manager for Christmas Behind Bars down at Johnson” he explained. “It was great. I had a very good crew… I actually think we surpassed our goal; I think we got close to 9000 bags done,” shared Anderson. “We were efficient and had a great time doing it.” “I always like getting to know more students,” he said. Community and relationships are a priority. Anderson explained that he enjoys getting to know students across campus. “Yeah, I always try to go to the rec center, cafeteria, and other places… I’ve been to most vespers.” He went on, “I’ve been to Proximity. I’ve been to Impact.” Not only has Anderson spent a lot of time with students at events across campus, but he is also trying to become a familiar face in the cafeteria and said that “There will be more of that; I haven’t been able to get over there as much as I would like.”
As Anderson and his family settle into their new home, many unpacked boxes remain. However, they are quickly becoming acquainted with Berrien Springs and preparing for the winter. “I bought my wife a pair of snowshoes,” said Anderson. Not only did he just purchase snowshoes, but he is also making plans for how he will clear the snow in his driveway: “I am inspired to get a snow blower… but other than that, I think we are good to go.” Ironically, he reports selling his four-wheel drive before moving. However, he seems confident in their two minivans. “I guess the first ditch we slide into, we’ll say we should’ve bought a four-wheel-drive.” Anderson’s confidence is understandable. Sharing about his minivans, he said, “The one I drive most just turned over 400,000 miles,” and “neither is very exotic.”
Simplicity seems to be a bigger part of Anderson’s life than just his preference for vehicles or basketball shoes. You could say simplicity is the way he leads his life. Anderson tells me about his morning routine while chuckling, “I’m not terribly exciting here, Nehemiah!” He said, “I get up in the morning, get dressed, have breakfast, have my devotional time, usually at breakfast… then it’s off to campus.” He also shared about a typical breakfast, saying, “My wife makes really good homemade bread, so there’s usually a slice or two of homemade bread.” He also shared about his love for fruit, “I like fruit, grapefruit, apples, grapes, mandarins,” and spoke about his first foray into making homemade grape juice.
While Anderson shared about his routine and first months on campus, his attention turned toward his passions and his experiences while pursuing them. However, what makes his passions significant is the personable and selfless nature of what he loves and enjoys. “Well, I’m certainly passionate about Christ and students,” he shared, “I like that a lot!” Engaging with students is undoubtedly something he seems to spend a lot of time doing. “I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting students from registration,” shared Anderson, adding, “I was at the front door by the Howard.” From his participation at Change Day to consistency on the court, he is clearly passionate about connecting with people and engaging with students in a way that makes them feel recognized and appreciated.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.