OBU Welcomes Kyle Opskar as Assistant Director for the Tom Elliff Center for Missions
October 6, 2023
OBU is excited to announce the appointment of Kyle Opskar as the new Assistant Director for the Tom Elliff Center for Missions.
Opskar, a dedicated and accomplished graduate of OBU brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to missions to his new role.
“God’s clear leadership in bringing Kyle Opskar to our TECM staff is just one more evidence of His favor upon the center,” Dr. Tom Elliff said. “Kyle’s heart for missions, his love for OBU’s students and his ability to communicate across the wide spectrum of ardent supporters will open many doors of ministry to us. Dr. Elbert Smith and our entire team eagerly welcome the Opskar’s to our growing mission-focused family.”
Opskar's journey to this position is marked by academic excellence and a passion for service. He graduated from OBU in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, achieving Magna Cum Laude honors. His dedication to education continued as he earned his Master of Divinity in Missiology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2022.
In recognition of his commitment to ministry, Opskar was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee in May 2021. He has since been actively involved in various roles that reflect his passion for missions and education. Opskar has served as a resident director at OBU since 2017.
His dedication to missions extends beyond the campus. He has volunteered in training and systems management at the Avery T. Willis Center for Global Outreach since 2012. Opskar's involvement as an adjunct professor at OBU in 2022 and 2023 has allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for missions with students.
One of the highlights of Opskar's mission journey was in his volunteer experience with the International Mission Board (IMB) in 2014. This experience exposed him to the challenges and rewards of international missions, making him a valuable addition to the Tom Elliff Center for Mission team.
In his role as assistant director, Opskar will play a pivotal part in advancing the mission of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions. His responsibilities will include preparing written curriculum for the center, tailored for both high school students and current university students involved in the program. Opskar will also utilize creative media to disseminate mission materials to target audiences, ensuring the message reaches and inspires students.
Opskar will work closely with local churches, facilitating the use of the center's prepared materials with students who are called to missions. His passion for missions will be evident as he models involvement through regular mission trips, inspiring students to engage with the world and serve others.
Elbert Smith, Director of the Tom Elliff Center for missions, is excited about the impact of Opskar’s ministry.
“Our desire from the beginning of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions has been to impact the nations through serving the churches of Oklahoma Baptists and OBU,” Smith said. “We believe Kyle will exponentially expand our service to those high school students across the state who have been called to missions. We believe Kyle’s ministry will provide amazing resources for pastors and youth ministers across the state who want to equip well those going to the nations.”
With Opskar's appointment, the Tom Elliff Center for Missions at OBU is poised to continue its vital work of equipping the next generation of mission leaders, making a lasting impact on communities around the world.