Victoria and Brady Graves love doing life and ministry together. Their story began while they were pursuing undergraduate degrees at Samford University. Now, they work together at Beeson Divinity School, serving those called into ministry.
The couple met during Victoria’s last semester. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in human development and family science while her future husband earned his degree in religious studies in 2019. Brady participated in Samford Sunday during his time as a student, preaching at rural churches in Alabama.
“He knew both my roommate and my brother, so we met through them,” shared Victoria. “I was pretty fond of him, and I thought really highly of him because he would write these blogs on Christian beliefs, his faith and current events that were so mature for our life stage. I really never envisioned myself getting married, but it took the right person to change my mind.”
After dating for a while, Victoria and Brady tied the knot on July 13, 2019. Brady was going back and forth between studying law or divinity, but felt a constant pull toward seminary, specifically Beeson Divinity School. So, two months after tying the knot, Brady began its Master of Divinity program.
While he studied at Beeson, Brady entered the ministry as an associate pastor. After serving the local church after graduating in 2022, he felt God calling him back to academia. Victoria had already begun her position as program administrator at Beeson, helping students find placement opportunities that fit their vocational calling.
Once Beeson announced their Spirit and Power Project, they needed a program manager. Brady was able to come on board recently to help manage this program that seeks to empower and encourage current and aspiring preachers. Samford has brought them back together in a fun, full-circle kind of way.
They were each asked what their favorite part is of doing life, ministry and vocation together.
Victoria said, “I couldn’t have imagined God would bless my life like this even just to work at Beeson. People were pretty transparent with me about how they would feel if they had to work with their spouse, and it wasn’t always great. But Brady is my best friend, and just being in ministry together already felt like we were work partners, so adding one more thing to do together was easy.”
Brady said, “Victoria is an incredibly life-giving person. She’s adept at dealing with people in a joyful and loving way. She’s such a gospel light to people, so I’m grateful for that.”
The Graves were interviewed in October 2023 on Beeson Divinity School’s podcast. Listen to them share their testimonies and ministry life more in-depth here.
Did you meet your spouse at Samford? Share your story by emailing belltower@samford.edu.