March 5, 2025
East Texas Baptist University hosted its annual Calling Conference on Monday, March 3, providing students the opportunity to learn more about careers in vocational and bi-vocational ministry. The event brought together current ministers from diverse fields to discuss their calling and how it shapes their ongoing ministries.
The conference offered a unique platform for students to engage in meaningful dialogue through group discussions and one-on-one interactions with seasoned ministry professionals. Participants gained practical knowledge about the logistics of ministry work and explored their own calling.
"My calling has not only been revealed to me during my time at ETBU but has also been strengthened,” senior Worship Studies major Ethan Nguyen said. “Events like the Calling Conference provide an even clearer understanding of my calling. This experience has deepened my drive to pursue excellence in my ministry while reminding me of the importance of being part of the body of Christ, walking alongside others in faith, worshiping, and serving together. Overall, this has been an incredibly strengthening and reassuring experience, filling me with encouragement for the journey ahead."
The conference featured five distinct breakout sessions, each led by experienced ministry leaders:
- Pastoral Ministry
- Dr. David Ritsema, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Waxahachie
- Worship Ministry
- Tim Whedbee, Senior Worship Pastor, Mobberly Baptist Church, Longview
- Youth Ministry
- Austin Odom, Student Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Katy
- Children's Ministry
- JoAnn Lira Mann, Children's Director, Graffiti 2 Community Ministries, Bronx, NY
- Mission Ministry
- Tom Howe, Associate Director, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists/BGCT
Dr. David Ritsema, the keynote speaker, delivered the opening message to the campus community at chapel, and later served as the event's Pastoral Ministry breakout leader. A graduate of ETBU with a B.A. in Christian Ministry, Dr. Ritsema also holds an M.Div. from Truett Seminary and a Ph.D. in New Testament from B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary, now part of ETBU. He has served as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie since 2012 and currently serves on the ETBU Board of Trustees. During chapel, Dr. Ritsema emphasized that ministry extends beyond traditional pastoral roles.
"You don't have to be in vocational Christian ministry as a pastor or minister for God to use your gifts, talents, and abilities to share the gospel in profound and powerful ways,” Dr. Ritsema said. “Here's what I want you to know: 91% of atheists in this country—people who do not believe in God but are seeking spiritual truth—are unlikely to come to me as a pastor. But they will encounter teachers, counselors, coaches, and professionals in all walks of life. Whatever field God is calling you to, He can use you to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ to someone who is spiritually hungry. That is part of your calling. As a follower of Jesus, if you are a Christian, you have a calling. You have a gift. You have a purpose."
The Calling Conference at ETBU continues to be a vital resource for students who are discerning their call to ministry. Through engaging sessions and practical training, the event prepares students to serve with confidence and faithfulness wherever God leads them.