Ryan Kozey didn't plan to stay in campus ministry for more than a season. He said yes as a college student, and he has spent his life since then walking with the next generation.
In this episode, Ryan shares stories from three decades of ministry, from Bible studies in dorm rooms to church planting in New York, and from burnout to renewal. Through all of it, his focus has stayed the same: helping students meet Jesus in everyday life.
College, Calling, and the Long Obedience
It started at Bowling Green State University. Ryan wasn't trying to become a ministry leader; he was following Jesus as well as he knew how. One step of obedience led to another, and before long he was leading small groups, sharing the gospel with friends and picturing what church-based campus ministry could be.
Over the years, he’s served with Reliant Mission, Saturation Church Planting, the Baz Group, and the Collegiate Church Network. He’s helped churches launch. He’s built systems to support ministry growth. He’s trained leaders. But at his core, Ryan is still that college kid who believes Jesus changes everything and that students are worth the effort.
“We think students need fancy events or polished preachers. But what they actually need is someone to walk with them, tell the truth, and point them to Jesus.”
Less Strategy, More Proximity
When Ryan talks about evangelism now, he is urgent and clear. Churches need people who show up more than they need more theory, and they need to trade programs they hope will work for personal responsibility. Evangelism happens in real rooms with real people.
“We’ve over-programmed ourselves out of proximity. But discipleship happens in shared life, not just structured space.”
That’s why he encourages churches to trust everyday believers to own the mission. High-accountability, low-fear. Simple rhythms of going, listening, and sharing.
The Campus is Still Ripe
Ryan hasn’t outgrown the campus. If anything, he sees it more clearly than ever. Students are in a season of seeking. They’re deciding who they are and what they believe. And in that window, the local church has the opportunity to meet them with something real.
But it won’t happen by accident. Churches have to step toward students with intentionality. They have to make space for them at the table, not as visitors, but as family.
“Churches shouldn’t treat students like visitors. Treat them like family.”
Hard Lessons and Honest Hope
Ryan is honest about how hard it gets. He has seen leaders burn out and has fought his own weariness. He knows how easy it is to build systems that grow attendance while lives stay the same.
But he also knows the beauty of return. Of stripping things back. Of rediscovering the joy of one-on-one conversations, quiet prayers, shared meals, and real accountability.
“Evangelism isn’t just for the gifted. It’s for the faithful.”
What Ryan Hopes You'll Remember
Don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t need a polished model. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to show up with a heart for Jesus and a willingness to love people well.
“The need is still there. The students are still searching. And the gospel is still enough.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Anchors
1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission
2 Timothy 2:2: Entrust to faithful people who will teach others also
Practices to Try
Identify two students to meet with weekly for discipleship
Walk your campus and pray for dorms, departments, and leaders
Train others to share their story and the gospel clearly
Host meals that blend hospitality with spiritual conversation
Keep Going
Make disciples. Plant churches. Start simple. Stay faithful.
Guests & resources
Meet the guest
- Ryan Kozey
Collegiate leadership