For several years the Missions Prep Network (MPN) has been hosting their Kaleo student leadership conferences all over the country. Next weekend Ouachita will host Kaleo’s first conference in Arkansas.
The word Kaleo literally means “to call aloud, to invite or to be called”. Kaleo conferences focus on equipping and informing students who feel they are called to Christian ministry or missions.
“Kaleo has traditionally been a conference designed for high school, college and graduate level students who are interested in committing their lives to Christian ministry. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Baptist State
Convention (ABSC) is partnering with the North American Mission Board to take this to the next level,” said Lynsey Riley, who works with Kaleo and the ABSC. “This exciting event will launch a network of students and ministry leaders in our state and beyond who can work together as students become confident in their call.
Countless lives will be touched as students and adults across our state become effective ministers of the gospel.”
The conference will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 and will include large group and breakout sessions with speakers Jeff Lorg, Doug Compton and worship leader Dave Hunt, along with many other teachers and ministers from around the country. Breakout sessions will include topics such as marriage, worship, church planting, spiritual warfare, ministry in a non-religious setting, family, missions and being a leader in the church.
“Students will gain insight into different venues of ministry,” Riley said. “They will also be a part of powerful worship times and valuable break-out sessions that will focus on specific aspects of ministry. From this, they will become part of a network of people with ministry resources and possibilities.”
Kaleo will be a great opportunity for Christian studies majors as well as non-Christian studies majors to be confirmed and encouraged in their calling.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students to think about ministry whether they’re Christian Studies majors or not,” said James Taylor, director of campus ministries. “It will let students connect with people older and younger than themselves who all have the goal of building up the body of Christ”
Kaleo will also offer insight into different types of ministry that students are interested in and help students broaden their mindset as to what ministry can look like.
“This is not just for those who want to do ministry in a church setting but also for those who are exploring a call to serve in their communities, campuses, and across the world,” Riley said. “The possibilities are limitless.
I was not a Christian studies major in college, but the Lord has called me to do ministry with my life. This will be beneficial for people from a wide variety of backgrounds who want to serve in a wide variety of ways.”
So far, about 250 students are registered for Kaleo. If you are interested in registering or need more information, contact James Taylor at taylorja@obu.edu or visit the Campus Ministries Office.
By Allison Cornell, Signal Writer
