Living in the age of technology, social media, and text messages, effective communication skills can get lost in translation. Bala Musa MA ’12, PhD, professor of organizational leadership and communication in the School of Business and Management, finds that having communication skills is a great way to create friendships and strengthen one’s faith. His love for teaching inspired him to integrate Christian values with his passion for communication into the classroom.
Musa is from Nigeria, where he earned his bachelors and master’s degrees in mass communication. Before Musa knew that teaching was his calling, he wanted to go into journalism. From reading newspapers in high school, Musa saw the power of the media to influence the agenda of discourse on public issues, and he wanted to engage in and start those conversations. As an undergraduate student, Musa realized that his professors were able to shape students’ worldviews and offer different ideas to shift their perspectives. “If I could engage with students and sow seeds of truth, Christian values, and meaning, my students could then sow those seeds in the culture and among many other people,” he said. “After graduation, I got offers to work for national newspapers and to teach at universities. By the grace of God, it’s been a great joy to see my students grow into their potential and find a path in life while being equipped as trained mentors fulfilling their calling and potential.”
Musa began teaching career in Nigeria but moved to Virginia Beach in 1994 with his wife and son to pursue his doctorate. In 2006, Musa began teaching at Azusa Pacific University. At APU, Musa also took classes in the School of Business and Management to earn his MA in Management in 2012.
The communications field is broad and ranges from journalism and human communication
to public relations, advertising, and social media. Musa believes that part of being
human is being in relationship with others, and communication is what makes all kinds
of communities possible. As a professor, Musa strives to build those relationships
and community within the classroom. “When you connect to students’ hearts, they are
able to catch the essence of your values, convictions, and beliefs which will make
an impact,” he said.
Many communications theories are informed by worldviews that don’t explicitly align with Scripture. Musa’s teaching allows students to look at the theories through a lens of biblical truths and question to what extent they follow Christ’s call to honor God and be a disciple. “A person going into the field of communication needs to know that they are coming in as a human being impacting others’ beliefs, thoughts, actions, and how they go about their daily lives,” he said. “As a believer, you have to think about the totality of how you are the salt and light in your environment despite the challenges.”
As his students look towards their futures after graduation, Musa assures them that putting their faith in God will lead them to the path He has for them. “I thought about going into journalism, but felt that I wanted to make more of an impact,” he said. “Looking back, I’m thankful I followed that prompt from the Holy Spirit. I find such joy in seeing students reach their potentials and become equipped for lives of service as they grow through their time at APU and after they leave. Know that God is always faithful, and that He has plans for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.