Students and alumnus recognized for service in youth ministry

From left to right: Dr. Jonathan Geukgeuzian, chair of the Christian Leadership & Christian Ministries Department; Dr. Richard Brown, assistant professor of youth ministries; Ethan Callison, a recipient of the CYM Founders Award; and Dr. Steve Vandegriff, professor of youth ministries.

During a special Convocation on Friday, Liberty University’s Center for Youth Ministries (CYM) honored its CYM Founders Award recipients, two graduating seniors and an alumnus who best represent the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to make an eternal impact in the lives of students and families for the Great Commission. The honorees were each presented with a plaque with their name engraved on it.

Dr. Jonathan Geukgeuzian, chair of the Christian Leadership & Church Ministries Department, said the CYM Founders Award is presented to seniors every year for their involvement in ministry while they have been a student at Liberty.

“You hear it from our faculty every day in class that it is important for you to gain that knowledge and that information in class, but it makes no difference if you are not putting it into practice by serving in the local church and being a part of student ministry,” he said.

The first student recognized was Ethan Callison, a youth ministry senior, who gave up his full scholarship with the Liberty Flames Football team in order to serve full time as a student pastor.

While studying at Liberty, Callison had the opportunity to assist Dr. Ed Gomes, the director of spiritual development for Flames Football, as he ministered to the team. He also served as a student pastor at two local churches. Callison has recently accepted a job offer as a campus student pastor at Fellowship Community Church in Roanoke, Va.

Callison told students that he has been able to directly use the education he received in class in his ministry.

“The education I have received here at Liberty has propelled me as a student pastor,” he said. “I want to encourage you that the education you are receiving is helpful, and you will go far if you put into practice what your professors teach you.”

Geukgeuzian also recognized Lauren Isaacson, a senior studying youth ministry and adventure leadership and outdoor ministries, for her dedication to serve high school students, special needs children, and summer camps.

Alumnus Cody Mummau (’02) spoke to youth ministry students after receiving the Center for Youth Ministry Alumnus of the Year Award.

Isaacson was not able to accept her award in person because she is currently completing an internship in the Philippines. While serving overseas, she is actively involved in eight ministries as well as serving in a school in Cambodia.

In addition to the two student awards, alumnus Cody Mummau (‘02) received the CYM Alumnus of the Year Award.

Mummau, who has served for 21 years in student ministry, is currently serving as a youth pastor at Bethlehem Church in Gastonia, N.C.

Mummau told students that he is thankful to be back at Liberty and honored to receive this award. He encouraged students to adopt a mentality focused on reaching everyone with the Gospel.

“Unfortunately, in our culture, there are a lot of people who take up the mantle of ministry completely unprepared,” he said. “Do not let your ministry become a ministry of self instead of ministry of Christ. We need young men and women in church that are equipped with the understanding of what it takes to reach their communities. We need people willing to sacrifice self, not gratify self.”