Our Christian Pillar is to foster the Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service. Christian Ministries helps students develop a biblical worldview by learning to love God and others, as themselves.
WORSHIP & WORLDVIEW
Worship is an integral part of life at C of O and all of our classrooms reinforce a Christian Worldview. At College of the Ozarks we believe that Faith and Learning go hand in hand. All incoming students are required to take two Christian Worldview Courses as part of the curriculum at College of the Ozarks.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
College of the Ozarks is dedicated to fostering students' growth through Christian formation. Each week, students have the opportunity to participate in in-depth Bible studies. Additionally, every semester, the College offers small group leader training and hosts a leadership summit. Both men's and women's retreats are held annually.
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MISSION SERVICE
At College of the Ozarks, we believe that God has called us to integrate our Christian faith with our lives, learning, and service. Because of this, we diligently pursue spreading Christ's love to those within our own neighborhoods and the global community.
Annually, Christian Ministries encourages students through internships, mission trips, and service opportunities to participate in God's mission to the world. These experiences often transform students as much as those they serve. As students participate in God's mission, they mature in their biblical understanding of "loving God, themselves, and others."
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
College of the Ozarks offers free counseling to all students. Christian Counseling takes place in the Chrisitan Ministries building and should be set up by appointment.
CAMP LOOKOUT
College of the Ozarks is dedicated to helping students as well as the community. We also want to extend our helping hand to younger children by making certain that a lack of finances doesn't keep them from enjoying a summer camp experience. Camp Lookout is a Christian, fun-filled, week-long summer camp provided to area children at no cost. Camp Lookout provides a Christian atmosphere where campers experience many activities such as swimming and hiking!
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about any of these opportunities and other services offered through Christian Ministries, browse our pages or contact us: ministries@cofo.edu.
Get to Know the Staff
Justin Carswell - Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries
Justin Carswell has served at College of the Ozarks for over 15 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and an M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a graduate of Baylor University. He leads worship in the Chapel and helps the College fulfill its mission to develop citizens of Christlike character. Justin and his wife, Mandy, have a growing family with five children, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren who keep them busy with the joys and wonders of family life. He can be reached by email at carswell@cofo.edu or by phone at (417) 690-3446.
Amanda Walker - Director of Christian Formation
As the Director of Christian Formation, Amanda Walker has the privilege of helping students at College of the Ozarks become fully formed disciples of Christ. She works alongside the Campus Minister to plan the College’s leadership development and missions programs. She also leads the Women’s Retreat and mentoring program. Amanda holds a B.A. from Louisiana Christian University; an M.A. in Christian Education and a Doctor of Educational Ministries degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University. She is married to Chris, and they have three incredible children. You can reach Amanda at awalker@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3456.
Justin Sharp - Campus Minister
As the Campus Minister, Justin wears a few hats. He is blessed to organize mission trips for the College, teach in Chapel, facilitate At the Table, which is our Small Group Leadership Training program, speak at multiple club and organizational meetings all over campus throughout the year, and engage in one-on-one conversations with students, which is his favorite thing to do. Justin has an undergraduate degree in English from The College of the Ozarks, a Master of Divinity degree and Doctorate of Ministry from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Justin would love to help you in any way, so please contact him at jsharp@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3445.
Lori Simmons - Community Service Coordinator, Camp Lookout Administrator, and Assistant to the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries
Lori Simmons serves as the Community Service Coordinator, Camp Lookout Administrator, and Assistant to the Vice President of Student Development and Christian Ministries at College of the Ozarks. She guides and mentors a team of Student Leaders as they plan and oversee Camp Lookout, and she coordinates impactful campus events such as Operation Christmas Child and Night to Shine. In addition to supervising student teams, Lori manages administrative responsibilities for the Vice President and the Christian Ministries Department. She loves working with young adults and is passionate about helping them grow in their relationship with Christ and with others. You can reach Lori at lsimmons@cofo.edu or (417) 690-3385.
Rebecca Padgett - Student Counseling Center Director and Clinical Therapist
Rebecca Padgett is our Student Counseling Center Director and one of our Licensed Professional Counselor on staff at College of the Ozarks. Rebecca, a 2005 College of the Ozarks graduate, also has a M.A. in Counseling from Webster University and a M.S. in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Rebecca spent the last 20 years in service to social sciences, counseling, and child protection. Rebecca is a certified trauma therapist with trainings from Baylor University, Missouri Academy for Child Trauma Studies, and Yale School of Medicine. Rebecca holds a professional license in Missouri and is a Nationally Certified Counselor with training in supervision for counseling professionals. Rebecca is married to her husband Caleb, a Military Service Member of 23 years for the U.S. Army, and together they are blessed to have three amazing children. To reach Rebecca or inquire about services offered through the counseling program email her at rpadgett@cofo.edu or by phone at (417) 690-2441.
Sheri Nelson - Senior Clinical Therapist
Sheri Nelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with the Student Counseling Center. Sheri, along with the other SCC staff, assess needs and meet with students for personal counseling. Students come to the Center for a myriad of reasons including relationship coaching, premarital counseling, grief counseling, family issues, stress management, Personality Profile testing /coaching as well as many other issues affecting emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Workshops and presentations on these topics are also provided. Sheri has a passion to help individuals identify and work through blocks to experiencing fulfillment in their relationship with God and with others. In her spare time, Sheri loves traveling, hiking, dancing, reading, and cheering her nephew’s basketball team to victory. You can reach Sheri Nelson at snelson@cofo.edu or (417) 690-2296.
Jess Keys-Clinical Therapist
Jess Keys is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), who serves in our Student Counseling Center. She received her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from College of the Ozarks; holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University; and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University. Jess has experience working in various settings including private practice, hospitals, community health, and non-profit organizations. She enjoys walking alongside young adults and couples as they work towards becoming mentally and emotionally equipped. Jess can be reached at jkeys@cofo.edu or 417.690.3454.