Politics, physical and mental health, finding a work-life balance—these are just some of the things that plague people’s minds today. Hopelessness and stress darken the world, but God’s love offers light. Through her unique ministry, Lyli Dunbar (Speech Education ’89, M.S. Educational Administration ’91) brings that light to women in need.
A Call to Teach
As a senior in high school, Lyli visited the growing campus of Pensacola Christian College in the mid ’80s. While walking to chapel, she felt an overwhelming peace about attending the College as a freshman the following fall semester. “I so longed to live and learn in a community where Christ was honored,” she shared. “I knew that PCC was the right place for me to grow in my walk and get equipped to serve my Savior.”
She enrolled that next fall, choosing to study speech education, with English education as her second teaching field. Even as a freshman, she knew she wanted to use her God-given talents to teach others. “I wanted to help prepare students with skills that would be essential to their future success,” Lyli explained. After finishing her undergraduate, she decided to continue her education through a PCC master’s program.
“The College started a two-year program I found intriguing,” she noted. “I wanted to continue to grow as an educator and equip myself with essential skills to encourage my colleagues.” Lyli graduated in the first educational administration class of PCC and began applying her skills as an educator at a Christian school in Miami.
“I wanted to continue to grow as an educator and equip myself with essential skills.”
For almost 30 years, Lyli used her God-given abilities in schools and colleges, teaching English, speech, and drama. She also worked closely with curricula, mentored younger teachers, and served in leadership positions.
A New Direction
In 2018, Lyli shifted her focus from education to women’s ministry. She now writes, speaks, coaches, and hosts a podcast purposed to direct women to Christ. “My calling as a Christian communicator is to encourage women walking through a hard season,” she shared.
“I love pointing women to the hope that is found in the promises of God’s Word and helping them persevere in [their] faith,” Lyli continued. To help guide people in the right direction, Lyli regularly conducts life-coaching sessions for groups and individuals.
Lyli credits her success in education and women’s ministry to her education at PCC. “My student-teaching experience at [Pensacola Christian Academy] was so beneficial and launched me off into full-time work with much-needed classroom experience,” she said. Her speech classes also helped her cultivate her communication skills. “To this day,” Lyli added, “whenever I’m reading to a group of people, they will remark how expressive I am. I want to send Dr. [Charlene] Monk and [my other professors] a thank-you note [for all their help].”
“I have appreciated the solid foundation I received in that particular Bible class.”
The class she appreciated most at the College, however, was Bible Doctrines. “In a world where many people have drifted from the truth of the gospel, I have appreciated the solid foundation I received in that particular Bible class,” Lyli shared. When preparing for her podcast or getting ready to speak, she still uses some of her notes from Bible Doctrines. “Even today,” Lyli said, “I am still using what I learned at PCC, but in a different capacity.”
Through education and ministry, Lyli has faced many challenges; but instead of being discouraged by each challenge, Lyli has clung to her Savior. “Every day, I have to decide if I am going to submit my life to the authority of Christ,” she explained. “Over the years, I have learned He is faithful and can be trusted with the messy subplots of my life.” Because of the effective skills Lyli learned at PCC, she is able to share her faith and encourage others in the hope they can have through Jesus.
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.