Benjamin Kirtley

Campus Missionary –
University of Missouri – Kansas City

My Story

As in every salvation story, God used unique circumstances to bring me to Him. When I was 8, my father passed away. Through conversations with my mother and a local pastor, I came to faith in Jesus.

As a student at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), I attended the Baptist Student Union. A few of the guys challenged me to examine my desolate spiritual life. By the grace of God, I gained an understanding of what a Christlike life means. I was given opportunities to teach and lead my fellow students, which allowed me to explore vocational ministry.

When I graduated from UCM with a degree in aviation management, I moved to Columbus, Ohio, to pursue a career in aviation. I quickly realized I deeply missed ministry and began praying about a way to return. When an apprenticeship opportunity opened up, I knew it was where God was calling me.

I am also currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I desire to be prepared for long-term ministry among college students.

My Role

College students are an amazingly strategic group. After graduation, they scatter across the world and reach people vocational missionaries may not be able to because of persecution. Unlike many others, they are willing to engage in conversation about their beliefs.

I recently finished a two-year apprenticeship with the Baptist Student Union at the University of Central Missouri.  I am now ministering as a Campus Missionary for Collegiate Impact at University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC).