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The Rev. Shomari Tate serves as the chaplain of prophetic witness at Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, where he helps students discover what it means to follow Jesus with both deep conviction and courageous compassion. His ministry centers on the belief that Christian faith is not merely something to be believed, but a way of life that transforms individuals, communities and the world. Through preaching, mentoring, leadership development and meaningful conversations across differences, Shomari invites students to wrestle honestly with Scripture, pursue biblical justice that is rooted in the gospel and live as faithful witnesses wherever God calls them.

As a member of Campus Ministries, Shomari regularly preaches in chapel, walks alongside students, advises student organizations and collaborates with different departments across campus to cultivate a Christ-centered community marked by belonging, service and hope. He is especially passionate about helping students discern their vocation, engage difficult questions with humility and develop the courage to lead with integrity in an increasingly complex world.

Before joining Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, Shomari served in various pastoral ministry roles in West Michigan, where he led congregations in preaching, discipleship, leadership development and community engagement. He also founded the Higher Power Initiative, LLC. This leadership consulting organization equips churches, corporations, nonprofits and educational institutions to lead with organizational health, prophetic imagination and a commitment to human flourishing. His ministry and scholarship are deeply shaped by the conviction that the Church is at its best when it forms people who love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors sacrificially.

Shomari is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary, where his research explores prophetic witness as a model of leadership within Christian higher education.

Education

• D.Min. candidate, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2028
• M.Div., Western Theological Seminary, 2025
• M.A., ministry leadership, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 2021
• MPP (Master of Public Policy), Michigan State University, 2019
• B.A, political science-prelaw, Michigan State University, 2017

Professional Experience

• Founder/Principal Consultant, Higher Power Initiative, LLC, 2020–present
• Teaching pastor, BLVD Church, 2022–2025
• Associate pastor, Epicenter of Worship, 2018–2022
• Director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, 2018–2021

What I Love About Hope

What Shomari loves most about Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø is the opportunity to journey with students during one of the most formative seasons of their lives. He believes Christian higher education offers a unique space where faith and learning come together, where difficult questions are welcomed and where students are equipped to become thoughtful disciples and courageous leaders. Few things bring him greater joy than seeing students discover who God created them to be and faithfully step into that calling for the sake of the church and the world.

Outside The College

Outside of serving in ministry, Shomari and his wife, Brittany, share a deep passion for pastoral ministry, discipleship, and investing in the next generation of Christian leaders.