Bethel University student Wesley Oke ’26 earned his degree in ministry leadership through the university’s BU-X program, an accredited andaffordable higher education initiative that partners with Missionary Churches across the United States. He is now preparing for a future in youth ministry and worship leadership. Following graduation, he plans to serve as worship director at Liberty Drive Missionary Church while his wife, Samantha Oke ’26, completes her master’s degree in social work at Indiana University in South Bend. Afterward, the couple hopes to step into full-time ministry together.
Wesley chose Bethel’s BU-X program after feeling called to ministry in late high school. Having grown up serving in different ministries at his church, he knew he wanted a college experience that combined academics with hands-on ministry work.
“The best thing about the BU-X program was that my school was taking place where the ministry was happening,” he says. “I was working on courses in the church office at St. Mark Missionary Church, and I was able to be fully immersed in the church staff while also earning my degree.”
Beyond the classroom, Wesley says one of his favorite parts of the Bethel community was the welcoming environment and the opportunity to build connections across campus.
“I could show up to any event, whether it was a sporting event or music event, and meet someone new each time and make friends,” he says. “It was always easy to feel included no matter where I went.”