Building safer houses, constructing new roofs, and laboring in Tennessee’s hot summer sun isn’t routine for OCU Junior Tyler Forney. What is routine is witnessing about Jesus, having a heart for Youth Ministry, and placing others' needs above his for the glory of God.
Choosing to spend his summer with Service Over Self (SOS) in Memphis, Tyler, along with 40 other young adults, spread the Good News to middle and high school students and learned to be an SOS team leader.
An avid OCU community member, Tyler appears happy-go-lucky, working for SAC, serving as a hall chaplain, and walking freshman through acclimation to campus life. What many may not know is Tyler is learning the calling God placed on him.
When asked why he spent the summer serving, Tyler explains, “I’ve always loved Memphis. Honestly, I felt God was calling me to set this summer aside. He wanted me to take action to serve Him.”
“What I’ve learned about SOS is its dedication to leadership development. It helped me become a leader, build relationships with new SOS campers week after week, and take charge of construction projects. God is working in my life.”
Tyler feels God is pushing him to gain more skills, serve modestly, lead faithfully, and live joyfully. Two years at OCU prepared him for his SOS adventure. “I just love the community that SOS builds by empowering people to be constructive. It is about making an impact and being a light for others. This summer changed me. I see new ways I want to grow.”
Articles of Interest
Alumnus Publishes Book
Published: October 26, 2021
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the family of a thief on the
cross who was forgiven. It is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and
romance.
Ohio Christian University President Jon Kulaga states “being able to
celebrate the success of our students is a joy and a privilege. R.E. is
fulfilling his calling as a pastor, enjoying success as a husband and father,
and now as a writer. Ohio Christian University’s Christ-Centered
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the family of a thief on the
cross who was forgiven. It is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and
romance.
Ohio Christian University President Jon Kulaga states “being able to
celebrate the success
On November 10-11, 2021, Ohio Christian University will host R.E. Addison,
Class of 2021, on campus after the release of his book, Yeshua's Thief. Set
in 28 A.D., Yeshua’s Thief is the story of the
2021 Summer Celebration Picnic
Published: August 6, 2021
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great turn out. It was wonderful to see smiling faces on
campus, and our friends enjoying music, a good meal, and time together. We
look forward to many more events and gatherings on campus in the
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food, Friends and Fellowship. In
spite of some scattered storms, many people of all ages gathered together.
Matt Hunnell, VP of University Advancement commented: “Despite a little
rain, we had a great
Ohio Christian University held its first ever Summer Celebration Picnic on
Friday, July 16, 2021. This was a time for OCU Alumni, donor partners and
community members to get together and enjoy Food
Dr. Caleb Friedeman Publishes Major Reference Work
Published: April 1, 2021
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index to Rabbinic
Literature(ASIRL) with Hendrickson Academic. This volume is a comprehensive
Scripture index to classical rabbinic literature in English that contains
approximately 90,000 entries and represents over 2,500 hours of work by a
seven-person team over the course of two and a half years. In addition to the
work of the editorial team, a group of OCU staff and students assisted in
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index to Rabbinic
Literature(ASIRL) with Hendrickson Academic. This volume is a comprehensive
Scripture index to classical rabbinic literature in English that contains
approximately 90,000 entries and
Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Friedeman,
David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and Assistant Professor of
Biblical Studies, has published A Scripture Index
Dr. Melvin Maxwell Graduates to Glory
Published: July 4, 2020
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and raised him and his brother Millard to follow Christ no matter how
hard the situation.
On August 25, 1942, Maxwell married his wife, Laura. They had three children
together: Lawrence (Larry), John, and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with his Savior whom he loved. He was born
in Georgetown, Ohio, on November 15, 1921, and grew up during the Great
Depression. Though his mother died at an early age, his father was a godly
man and
Melvin Maxwell was known as a powerful man of God and prayer warrior by those
who knew him. On Saturday, July 4, 2020, Dr. Maxwell graduated from this life
to his eternal home and was united with
Archived Articles of Interest
Students Serve Alongside WGM in Uganda
Published: October 16, 2019
At the end of May, a team from Ohio Christian University traveled to Uganda
to serve alongside World Gospel Mission missionaries already working in the
area. This trip would best be described as a vision trip rather than the
typical mission work some may think of. The team got to see many different
ministries the missionaries are working with as well as support them through
fellowship and prayer.
During the two weeks the team was abroad, they worked with a wide range of
ministries, one of which is known as the Dignity project, providing women and
girls with reusable feminine products
At the end of May, a team from Ohio Christian University traveled to Uganda
to serve alongside World Gospel Mission missionaries already working in the
area. This trip would best be described as a vision trip rather than the
typical mission work some may think of. The team got to see many different
ministries the missionaries are working with as well as support them through
fellowship and
At the end of May, a team from Ohio Christian University traveled to Uganda
to serve alongside World Gospel Mission missionaries already working in the
area. This trip would best be described as a
Gerald Murphy Encourages Revival
Published: October 16, 2019
Gerald Murphy (’13) had one goal in mind for the campus of Ohio Christian
University as he spoke during Fall 2019 Revival Week, and that was to have an
encounter with Christ.
Murphy, a graduate of Ohio Christian, encouraged students to let go of their
former selves and take on their new identity as sons and daughters of God. In
order to take on this new identity, Murphy said that one must first stop
self-identifying as a sinner saved by grace. “If you continue to call
yourself a sinner,” he said, “you’re going to keep acting like one.”
Next, one must stop relying on their own actions
Gerald Murphy (’13) had one goal in mind for the campus of Ohio Christian
University as he spoke during Fall 2019 Revival Week, and that was to have an
encounter with Christ.
Murphy, a graduate of Ohio Christian, encouraged students to let go of their
former selves and take on their new identity as sons and daughters of God. In
order to take on this new identity, Murphy said that one must
Gerald Murphy (’13) had one goal in mind for the campus of Ohio Christian
University as he spoke during Fall 2019 Revival Week, and that was to have an
encounter with Christ.
Murphy, a graduate of
Ohio Christian Hosts Youth Explosion
Published: July 29, 2019
Ohio Christian University was happy to host the Youth Explosion camp on July
25 through 28. The camp was organized by the Marion Christian Center’s
Youth Ministry. The event was meant to provide the opportunity to experience
God in a real and impactful way.
“This year, the theme is that God made them special and how to discover
their gifts and talents to glorify Him” said Marion Christian Center Lead
Pastor Perry Payne.
Each day of camp kicked off with a student led devotional going over the
Beatitudes of Jesus followed by real life breakout sessions. After lunch,
students
Ohio Christian University was happy to host the Youth Explosion camp on July
25 through 28. The camp was organized by the Marion Christian Center’s
Youth Ministry. The event was meant to provide the opportunity to experience
God in a real and impactful way.
“This year, the theme is that God made them special and how to discover
their gifts and talents to glorify Him” said Marion Christian
Ohio Christian University was happy to host the Youth Explosion camp on July
25 through 28. The camp was organized by the Marion Christian Center’s
Youth Ministry. The event was meant to provide
Easter - the Extraordinary Found in the Ordinary
Published: April 18, 2019
By Rev. David Brown, Associate Professor, Religion
By Rev. David Brown, Associate Professor, Religion
By Rev. David Brown, Associate Professor, Religion
Youth Leadership Conference Focuses on Engaging Youth Culture
Published: January 11, 2019
On Thursday, March 7th, Ohio Christian University is hosting an all-day Youth
Leadership Conference focusing on Engaging Youth Culture.
The program is ideal for all church pastors and youth pastors. Focused
breakout sessions will cover these key topics:
- Mental Health and Suicide
- Refreshing your Ministry
- Developing World Changers by Partnering with Non-Profits
- How Media is Shaping your Students
- Working with Church Leadership
Keynote speaker Dr. Walt Mueller is an authority on youth culture and family
issues.
Mueller is the founder of the Center for Parent/Youth
On Thursday, March 7th, Ohio Christian University is hosting an all-day Youth
Leadership Conference focusing on Engaging Youth Culture.
The program is ideal for all church pastors and youth pastors. Focused
breakout sessions will cover these key topics:
- Mental Health and Suicide
- Refreshing your Ministry
- Developing World Changers by Partnering with Non-Profits
- How Media is Shaping
On Thursday, March 7th, Ohio Christian University is hosting an all-day Youth
Leadership Conference focusing on Engaging Youth Culture.
The program is ideal for all church pastors and youth pastors
