Pacifica Stories

Pacifica’s newest Academic Counselor, Christian Winter, brings a unique blend of artistry, ministry, and mentorship to his role. Though he’s been at Pacifica for only a few months, Christian already feels at home helping students navigate their academic and personal journeys with wisdom and care.

Christian’s path to Pacifica has been anything but ordinary. He studied Theatre at Abilene Christian University before earning his graduate degree in Ministry at Pepperdine, combining his love of storytelling and faith. Professionally, he’s worked in church ministry, acting, and hospital chaplaincy, which have are experiences that have shaped his thoughtful, people-centered approach to counseling.

“When choosing a degree to lead to a career,” Christian says, “think less about what your passion or interests are, and more about what you want your life to look like, day to day, week to week.” This is the kind of grounded wisdom he now passes on to students discerning their own callings.

Christian grew up in Escondido, California, playing football and volleyball while performing in theatre productions through high school and college. In 2019, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. But when the pandemic hit, he began to sense God redirecting his path.

“During the COVID era, I decided I was pretty good at acting, but it might not be what God was calling me to do for a career,” he reflects. “I’ve learned much about myself as I’ve intensely studied theology, ministry, and Scripture. I feel very happy with where God has me now.”

Faith has always been at the center of Christian’s story. “I grew up in a Christian family in San Diego, and made the decision to follow Jesus myself when I was 12,” he says. “Since then, I’ve grown up with a love for church, regardless of how good, bad, or ugly a particular group may be in a given season. I haven’t always had a consistent vision of what I wanted my career to be, but I’ve always known that whatever I do, I want to do it well, and let it be a ministry opportunity for the glory of God.”

That heart for ministry is what drew him to Pacifica. “I’m thrilled to have found Pacifica, where I feel I can thrive as a good counselor, and a good ambassador for Christ.”

Looking ahead, Christian is eager to build meaningful connections. “I am most looking forward to supporting students’ passions, and helping to direct their many efforts and interests toward a promising and enjoyable future,” he says. “Specifically, I look forward to watching some incredible theatrical performances and some high-energy volleyball games!”

His hope for every Pacifica student? That they leave confident and ready. “I hope students graduate high school knowing that they are fully capable of adult leadership and responsibility, and that God’s plan is the best plan for their life if they will trust Him and lean into it.”

When he’s not meeting with students, you might find Christian playing beach volleyball or spikeball, line dancing, watching movies, playing chess, or talking theology, often with the same warmth and curiosity he brings to his counseling office.

We’re grateful to welcome Christian Winter to the Pacifica community, as a counselor whose creativity, empathy, and faith make him a true gift to our students.