Steve Anderson

Class of 2002

Role: Director of Admissions | School Counselor | Social Studies | Bible | Coach

For Steve Anderson, it’s all about discipleship. “I absolutely love the relationships I get to have with our students,“ says Steve. “Forging amazing eternal relationships with students, faculty and staff is such a rich treasure of working at TC Christian. Like our other alumni staff, Steve attributes his desire to return to TC Christian in large part to his own teachers. “Tom Broderick and Judy Radtke have been here since the early days and they exemplify what it means to be an excellent Christian teacher,” said Steve. “They lovingly and patiently encouraged, taught, and mentored me, and now I have the opportunity to do the same with the students who walk through our doors.”

Steve grew up in Traverse City and came to TCCS as a Sophomore. His previous schools were not a good fit and having to transition to a new school as a teen has helped Steve in his current roles in Admissions and Counseling. “I sometimes meet students who arrive at TC Christian exhausted and frustrated,” says Steve. For some, bullying and the permissive culture of their old school has overwhelmed them. For others, the curriculum wasn’t working. And for some, they just felt lost in a huge school. TC Christian provides a sanctuary of sorts. “With the culture wars constantly raging for the affections of our minds, both a Christian education and environment are more important than ever,” says Steve. He sees teaching as a beautiful opportunity to impact the hearts, minds and lives of students for the Glory of God. “God uses teachers everyday to impart lessons that don’t reside in textbooks or classrooms. The eternal treasures of teaching are valuable beyond measure.”

It isn’t always easy for students to make the transition to a new school later in their high school career. Steve can relate and he considers it his responsibility to take these new students under his wing, pray for them, and help them integrate into TC Christian’s school family. Being a small school helps. “TC Christian is kind, friendly, and welcoming. We’re a tight-knit community and we ensure new students don’t fall through the cracks,” says Steve.

The Boys in Steve’s Graduating Class: (L to R - Back): Jared Gilyard, Jonathan Calderon (L to R - Middle): Ben Thompson, Ben Vanderwal, Colin Christie, John Steffes, Taylor Murray, Chad Miller, Joe Millward, Doug Radtke, William Krueger, Gabe Ealy, Steve Anderson, Noble Kline, Tim VanWingerden, Mike Vanvreede (L to R - Front): Jordan Fox, Matt Weaver, Caleb Palmer, Steve Twomey, Mike Wolf, Tec Petaja, Tony Vanvreede

In 2008, Steve married Elizabeth (Kinney), another TC native who is a stay-at-home mom. Steve and Elizabeth have three children at TCCS - Zoey (5th grade), Gideon (1st grade), and Jonathan (PK). The Andersons make their home on TC’s east side and are members of Faith Reformed Church, where Steve’s father, Dave, had previously served as a pastor.

When they’re not at school, home, or church, you can catch the Andersons exploring beautiful Northern Michigan or hanging out with family and friends. Steve will be the first to tell you he’s also an enthusiastic sports fan, especially when it comes to his beloved Chicago Bears.

When asked why he wanted to become a teacher, Steve credits God. “I was so blessed to have been taught, mentored and discipled by my teachers and coaches here at TCCS that I felt God calling me to become a teacher myself.” Following graduation from Indiana Wesleyan University 15 years ago, Steve was invited to return to TC Christian as a teacher, an invitation he readily accepted. He has been teaching, coaching, and counseling ever since.

When asked about the future, Steve has a clear vision for what he would consider success. “The relationship bonds that our students and teachers have are unique,” says Steve. “If it were the year 2040, I’d love to see halls filled with students and teachers continuing to love Jesus and each other.”

Steve is still excited about his chosen vocation. “I just love it!” he says. “I have absolutely the best job ever and I get to go to school with my own children, and no, not because we’re in the same grade,” Steve adds with a laugh.

The best part about teaching for Steve is seeing the ways God moves in the lives of students year after year. It is fun to see them grow and mature in their faith, skill, and knowledge during their time at TC Christian and beyond. “Forging amazing eternal relationships with students, faculty, and staff is such a rich treasure of being able to work here at TCCS.”

Steve in his role as assistant coach for TC Christian’s Baseball team