by Shyla Arnold
By now, most people on campus have heard the OBU mission statement. It emphasizes “pursuing academic excellence,” “integrating faith with all areas of knowledge,” and “living worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.” But there is another important piece in this statement. In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus calls His followers to “make disciples of all nations,” or, in the words of OBU’s mission statement, to “engage a diverse world.”
“When we use the term kingdom diversity here at OBU,” says B.J. Glover, Vice President for University Culture, “we have a foundational scripture we refer to, which is Revelation 7:9-10.” This passage describes people of all nations standing before God in worship. It serves as inspiration for OBU to pursue cultural diversity—not to meet a statistic, but to equip students from all backgrounds to become leaders who step up for the Kingdom of God. Student affinity groups, such as the Latin American Student Organization and Black Student Organization, are one way the university supports this mission.
Diversity matters for several reasons. Dr. Mario Melendez, who teaches all the Old Testament classes on campus, noted “How you worship is not how everyone worships. How you understand a text is not how everyone understands a text.” A diverse campus that cultivates diverse leaders allows The Church to reach more people and offers new perspectives on scripture. “I may not relate to Daniel’s story as well as someone else might,” Melendez said, “but talking to someone who’s been in a similar situation—maybe someone who immigrated for whatever reason—helps me understand Daniel better and also use Daniel to understand that person better.”
Yet diversity can sometimes become only a number to achieve.
“The reality is, we like to see the demographic of our people change, but we’re not seeing genuine diversity in leadership,” Melendez said. “The reason we need diversity in leadership is that we all bring something different to the table.” Without diverse leadership, divisions remain. This doesn’t mean sacrificing integrity, faith, or biblical values—it means integrating them into a broader, more inclusive community.
So why does this matter to students?
“It matters to us because it matters to Him,” Glover said. Every member of the Church is called to missions in some capacity. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) outlines Jesus’s call to His followers: for some, this might mean witnessing to coworkers in rural Oklahoma; for others, it may mean traveling overseas.
“If we engage, we will inevitably cross lines and engage the diverse world as it were,” Melendez said. True followers of Jesus are called to witness, no matter their background.
Engaging a diverse world also acknowledges that God can use any testimony, witness, or story to bring glory to Himself. Students can participate beyond traditional missions work by joining campus affinity groups.
“I just want to encourage people,” Glover said, “when they see the opportunities to participate in these activities, to do it.”
Kingdom diversity also has a theological dimension. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and no one reaches the Father except through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is part of the Kingdom of God. This means that any denomination adhering to the basic principles of salvation—regardless of differences in doctrine—is considered a brother or sister in Christ.
Above all, students are encouraged to remember the words of Jesus: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
