Discovering one’s calling can take a lot of trial and error, embarking on different career paths until finding the one that fits right. However, this was not the case for Bree Dobos ’22, MDiv ’24, who knew what she was meant to do since she was 13-years-old: be a pastor. While her journey hasn’t always been smooth, her faith has only continued to grow stronger. As a residence director for Trinity and Adams Halls, Dobos transforms students’ lives by cultivating a rich living experience and walking alongside them in their spiritual development.
Originally from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Dobos grew up surrounded by many Azusa Pacific University alumni. She attended Christian summer camp as a child, and heard the gospel for the first time at nine-years-old. Dobos accepted Christ into her heart and continued striving to know God more. “I always loved church and community so much,” she said. As a middle schooler she was heavily involved in youth ministry. Dobos’ youth pastor, an alumnus of APU, recognized her ambition, as well as a joy and desire to connect others with God. He guided her into leadership roles at camp and through church.
Dobos’ calling became clear to her in high school. She was at summer camp, and the speaker sharing the gospel asked anyone to stand who felt called to pursue ministry. “Suddenly I was on my feet. I was confused, excited, and in awe all at the same time,” Dobos said.
Soon after, Dobos considered where to attend college to prepare for her career in ministry. “I asked myself; where could I go that would challenge me the most in faith and academics?” Dobos was certain she wanted to major in youth ministry, and the decision became clear when she thought of the people who had shaped her into the Christian she was becoming.
“APU is a beautiful school where the community’s passion is to ensure students are impacted by Christ and are able to serve the world by answering His calling,” Dobos said.
One of the most formative experiences in spiritual, personal, and professional development happened early in Dobos’ freshman year. She recalled a difficult conversation with a friend who disagreed with her belief that women belong in ministry. Engaging in conversation with that friend was challenging, and made Dobos question her career journey. She prayed for a clear yes or no from God, adding that she’d be obedient if ministry was not what He wanted her to do with her life. Dobos went to Hartwig Prayer Chapel, and found a few students worshiping. “I sat and wanted to leave, but felt God tugging at my heart to stay longer. A girl I’d never met came up to me and said that as weird as it might sound, she felt God telling her to share the words ‘you are a pastor,’ with me.”
Ever since then, Dobos has dedicated her vocation to serving God through ministry. She especially carries a passion for building community, which led her to become a resident advisor (RA) during her senior year in the Shire Mods. Dobos cherishes the time she got to spend with sophomores who didn’t experience their freshman year on campus due to the pandemic. She made strong connections with her residents and still keeps in touch with many of them.
Dobos’ graduate resident coordinator (GRC) was an excellent mentor, setting an example of professionalism while at the same time maintaining fruitful relationships with students. “I’m a residence director today because I saw a bit of myself in my GRC. I saw a woman in a position of power who set good boundaries and brought teams together,” she said.
While earning her Masters in Divinity, Dobos served as a graduate assistant to continue gaining experience in Residence Life. Dobos’ favorite part of seminary was how diverse the classroom was. Meeting people who have served locally and globally in different traditions expanded her understanding of what it means to pursue ministry.
Although being a residence director might not seem like a pastoral role on the surface, Dobos feels called to use the skills she’s acquired through her education and love for APU to make a difference in students’ lives. “Residence Life is a campus partner, so we connect students with a multitude of amazing resources available to them to help them flourish,” she said. A large part of living on campus includes engaging in community events for living areas to strengthen bonds and create an inviting environment. Dobos hopes all students recognize how impactful it is when they connect with their RAs. “RAs are some of the biggest resources on campus, so I’d advise students to say yes when their RA is hosting an event or invites them out for coffee because they’re people who genuinely want to connect with you.”
Dobos loves how respectful, kind, curious, and responsible APU students are. “I’m often left wishing I could meet the parents of APU students because they raised these young adults so well,” she said. Her favorite part about working at APU is sharing with students about the ways she sees God working in their lives, offering them the perspective from someone who cares about them and believes in their potential.
“There’s a cliché that people who come to APU never want to leave,” Dobos said. “I never thought I’d fall into that, but I want others to know that I haven’t stayed here because it’s convenient or makes sense. I’m here because God has called me to ministry through my work at APU.” Although many seasons have left her with feelings of uncertainty, Dobos is sure of one thing: that ministry is her life’s calling. Whether that’s through a typical pastoral role, or one that allows her to nourish students’ spiritual lives, Dobos obediently follows God’s guidance in all she does.