Faulkner University alumnus Ryan Frederick serves as the pulpit minister at Lakeside Church of Christ in Orange Park, Florida, where he preaches, teaches and ministers to the congregation.
“I love working with the wonderful members at Lakeside and being a part of their journey,” Frederick said. “We have a great ministerial staff that works well together to make a difference in the lives of our members and those in our community.”
Frederick graduated from Faulkner University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and was recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus for the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies during the 2026 Marketplace Faith Friday Forums.
Frederick said his time at Faulkner University played a pivotal role in shaping both his faith and career path. Although he did not originally arrive on campus intending to become a minister, his experiences at Faulkner ultimately guided him toward ministry.
“My four years at Faulkner truly changed my life course,” Frederick said. “My classmates, teachers and the staff at Faulkner provided a godly atmosphere for students like myself to learn, grow and have the kind of experiences that pushed me closer to God and wanting to serve Him.”
He also reflected on the lasting relationships he built during his years at the university.
“The relationships I forged at Faulkner are still to this day some of the strongest bonds I have with anyone I know,” he said.
Frederick credited Faulkner’s Christian faculty with helping shape his understanding of faith, leadership and service.
“Learning and studying the Bible from Christian professors was a blessing,” he said. “Not only was I sure that I was being taught correctly, but having professors that were patient, kind, graceful and Christ-like in their interactions with students meant a great deal to me.”
He said the example set by his professors helped prepare him for both ministry and life beyond the classroom.
“I was blessed to sit at the feet of some godly individuals and learn life lessons that would serve me well in dealing with people,” Frederick said. “Knowing there was a standard of godliness on campus made it easier to live like a Christian while I was there and as I ventured into the workplace, taking that standard with me.”