Meet NU鈥檚 New Campus Pastor: Shaddye Melu
杏吧原版 is honored to welcome Pastor Shaddye Melu as our new lead campus pastor. Shaddye has had a unique ministry career that’s been shaped by his multicultural upbringing, his love for students, and his deep passion for sports.
He was born in London and spent his early years in Zambia. When he was eight years old, his family relocated to Auburn, Washington. He dedicated much of his youth to sports, and his athleticism earned him a track scholarship at Seattle University, where he still holds multiple records in events like the high jump and the 400-meter dash. He also competed as a member of the Zambian National Team in the World Junior Championships.
He first felt God calling him to vocational ministry when he was a senior in high school after having a profound encounter with the Lord at a youth conference. “I felt like God gave me a new heart,” he recalls. “And with that new heart came a deep desire to reach people for Christ.”
Shaddye and a small group of friends quickly responded to this call by founding a college ministry at Seattle University. What began as a small gathering during his freshman year eventually blossomed into a vibrant worship community of over 150 students by the time he was a senior.
His journey continued at Churchome in Seattle, where he was the youth pastor for seven years. He also served as an associate chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks for five seasons and spent two years as a spiritual advisor to Russell Wilson.
Now, as he joins the Campus Ministries team at NU, he is excited to see God move on our campus. “I get the sense that there’s a strong sense of home and family here, and I think God has something special planned for this university,” he says. “I’m excited to be a part of that and to watch students genuinely encounter Jesus.”
When asked what advice he would give to our students, he shared: “You don’t have to feel the pressure of the future. I remember when I was in college. I often felt so worried about my future—where I was going to work, what I was going to do with my life, and how it would all work out. But what I want students to know is that God’s got you, and He will work His plan out for your life. Let Him do it.”
Outside of work, you’ll likely find Shaddye working on his master’s degree in Ministry Leadership, spending time with his family, and, of course, playing sports—especially basketball. “We’ll have to get some student vs. staff basketball games going in the Pavilion,” he suggests. “If any students want to challenge me, I’m open to the challenge!”
Shaddye and his wife, Kristi—who is also an accomplished athlete in women’s basketball—live in Bothell with their two children, Asa (3) and Shiloh (1), and they’re expecting a baby girl this fall.
We are so grateful to have Shaddye in our community and look forward to seeing how the Lord will use him to minister to our students. Welcome to the NU family, Pastor Shaddye!