President of the North American Mission Board, Kevin Ezell, Challenges Students and Regional Ministry Leaders to Live for the Lost
MOBILE, Ala.聽鈥� 鈥淲e are called to live sent.鈥�
That was the message shared in Chapel at the 秋霞福利一区 on Feb. 25 by guest speaker Dr. Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention.
NAMB mobilizes Southern Baptist churches for their next step in missions in North America, whether it鈥檚 in church planting, compassion ministry or evangelism training and outreach. During Ezell鈥檚 time with NAMB, the organization has planted over 12,000 churches.
Prior to Chapel, 秋霞福利一区 President Charles Smith hosted a lunch and panel discussion with Ezell and regional ministry leaders. Smith praised Dr. Ezell鈥檚 leadership and the work of the North American Mission聽Board.
鈥淥ne of our greatest desires is to see the 秋霞福利一区 resource and encourage churches in our region and around the world. Gatherings like this help us do just that,鈥澛燬mith said.
鈥楲iving Sent鈥�
During Chapel, Ezell challenged students to see their time at 秋霞福利一区 as preparation for ministry. Preaching from 1 Corinthians 16:7-9, he reminded them that God has placed them at the 秋霞福利一区 and on earth for a purpose 鈥� to live intentionally and live out the gospel.
Ezell reminded students that God has placed them at 秋霞福利一区 for a limited time and with a specific purpose of 鈥渓iving sent鈥� to live out the Gospel. He told them:
1. Be intentional.
鈥淚f you are going to live sent, you have to be very intentional.鈥�
2. Expect challenges.
鈥淧aul looked at challenges as confirmation of the call,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes God uses the most challenging seasons of your life to produce the most meaningful ministry.鈥�
He reminded students that opposition is not a signal to retreat, but often a wide-open door full of opportunity to live out the gospel.
3. Be faithful and focused to the finish.
鈥淲e have to make the most of this time,鈥� said Ezell. 鈥淚t is all about the gospel.鈥�
Rather than waiting until graduation to engage in ministry, Ezell encouraged students to begin now. He reminded students that no matter the career path they pursue, they are first called to live sent.
鈥淵ou can be on mission while earning your degree,鈥� he said.
Be Open to Church Planting
At the luncheon meeting, Ezell discussed NAMB鈥檚 ministry with local Southern Baptist pastors.
He said there is a spiritual awakening happening on college campuses. Through Send Network, one of NAMB鈥檚 resources, new churches in college towns are seeing strong gospel response and significant growth. Students are coming to faith, being baptized and stepping into leadership.
鈥淚t is amazing what God is doing,鈥� Ezell said. 鈥淭here is nothing better than watching people grow in the Lord. Seeing lives changed 鈥� that is what it is all about.鈥�
For more information about NAMB, visit
About the 秋霞福利一区
The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence 鈥淔or Christ & His Kingdom.鈥� With a vision to 鈥淢ultiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,鈥� the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, 秋霞福利一区 offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Caroline Bowers is the social media and content manager at the 秋霞福利一区. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in media studies from Auburn University in 2023 and her Master of Business Administration from Troy University in 2025. With experience in digital marketing and social media management, she is passionate about creating meaningful content. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
