Discovering Purpose and Pursuing God's Call: DBU Hosts Annual Calling Conference

Dallas Baptist University welcomed students, faculty, and staff to Pilgrim Chapel for the annual Calling Conference—a signature event hosted by the Ministry Guidance Office with support from the College of Christian Faith and Undergraduate Admissions. The conference offered students a meaningful space to explore their spiritual callings, discern God's leading, and be equipped to live out their faith with purpose and passion.

The keynote speaker was Ryan Fontenot, Founder and Lead Communicator for R.A.G.E. Ministries (Reaching a Generation Endangered). Since founding the ministry in 2003, Fontenot has spoken to hundreds of thousands across North America and globally, passionately proclaiming the gospel and preparing the next generation to do the same.

Known for his dynamic and relatable style, Ryan Fontenot connected deeply with the DBU audience. His message centered on the truth that God calls ordinary people to extraordinary purposes, emphasizing that surrender and obedience are more important than personal qualifications.

"God isn't just calling the equipped; He's equipping the called," Ryan reminded students. "Your 'yes' to Jesus is more important than having it all figured out."

Sharing his own testimony of how an unexpected turn of events during his senior year of high school led him to a life of ministry, Fontenot emphasized that God's plans often interrupt our own. "I don't know what got you here to DBU, but no matter how you got here, God has you here," he encouraged. "It may not have been your plan, but it is His."

Throughout the morning, Ryan walked students through Biblical examples of calling—Moses, Jeremiah, Gideon—illustrating that a sense of inadequacy is often the right response when God calls.

"When God calls, it's not because you're awesome. It's because He's awesome," he said. "God doesn't need our abilities; He needs our availability."

Following the morning sessions, students transitioned to the Great Hall for lunch and session featuring a live Q&A. Ryan Fontenot was joined by College of Christian Faith student and emcee, William Jungeblut, for an engaging and transparent conversation about calling, obedience, and ministry. Students appreciated the opportunity to hear more personal reflections from Ryan and to ask questions in a relaxed and encouraging setting. 

The Calling Conference was the culmination of a full week of spiritual preparation across campus.

• On Monday, Dr. Jay Harley, Vice President for Student Affairs, spoke in chapel with an emphasis on submission to God's will.
• On Wednesday, Shane Pruitt, a DBU alum and the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, brought a powerful word on Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known.
• On Friday, Ryan Fontenot concluded the series with a dynamic message focused on embracing God's call.

This intentional progression helped students reflect deeply throughout the week on their personal faith journeys and how God might be leading them in specific ways.

Fontenot's powerful message and authentic testimony had a lasting impact. Following the conference, students were invited to scan a QR code to indicate their spiritual decisions. The QR code linked to a Google Form where students could request prayer, seek spiritual renewal, or express a new sense of calling. Remarkably, one student made a life-changing decision to follow Christ for the very first time.

Trisha Smith, Ministry Guidance Coordinator, reflected, "Ryan was a great speaker who connected well with students. He has a clear passion for this generation and a heart to help them understand their calling while making Christ known."

"Our Father spoke clearly to and through our DBU students during the 2025 Calling Conference, stated Director of Ministry Guidance of Ministry Students, Dr. Jan Daehnert. "More than 115 students responded to Ryan Fontenot's invitation with the call to vocational ministry, profession of faith, and many other decisions.  These responses are a direct answer to the prayers of the hundreds who lifted this DBU gathering before the Lord. It is all because of Him."

The Calling Conference remains one of the most impactful ministry events at DBU, reminding students that God's concern is not merely what they will do with their lives, but who they will become in Christ. As students seek to discern their futures, events like these faithfully point them back to the ultimate caller—Jesus Christ.

For more information about the Calling Conference or the Ministry Guidance Office, students are encouraged to call (214) 333-5925 or email ministrygrant@dbu.edu.