Ryan O’Leary S’03 named Bethel Seminary’s Alumnus of the Year

As a member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota, Ryan O’Leary S’03 is helping break down walls as leader of the First Peoples Initiative, one of Converge International Ministries’ global initiatives, and as president and board member of the National Association of Native Evangelicals (NANE). “There are historical walls, things that have happened in history, that have kept millions of Indigenous people in North America from the gospel and from having a relationship with our Father,” O’Leary says. “I feel like God has strategically positioned me for this key ministry.” 

Although he grew up in Duluth, O’Leary spent much of his time on the Bois Forte reservation about two hours north, picking wild rice—an important part of Ojibwe culture, hunting, and visiting family. As a result, he developed a strong connection to his tribe. His dad, mostly Ojibwe but also part Irish, and his mom, Ojibwe, raised him in a Christian home, bringing him to church multiple times a week and teaching him the Bible. He accepted Christ when he was six years old, but his faith grew thin during high school and college when professional hockey aspirations took priority. When those were dashed by a torn ACL during his junior year at the University of Denver, O’Leary was left searching. “It was the lowest point for me spiritually, and that’s where Christ revealed Himself most profoundly,” he says. “The Holy Spirit gave me a vision for leading and preaching.” O’Leary enrolled in Bethel Seminary’s Master of Divinity program. Two years in, he began pastoring a largely Native American congregation in South Minneapolis and discovered that God could use his unique experiences to share the gospel with Indigenous people. 

With a background in business management, his work is both economic and spiritual. O’Leary and his wife, Kristen, lead Converge’s First Peoples Initiative’s six “centers”—church planting and revitalization, sports ministry, missing and murdered Indigenous women, justice/reconciliation and healing, business as mission, and youth and family. And through NANE, he focuses on equipping and encouraging Indigenous ministry leaders while uniting all Christ-followers in the United States related to Indigenous people and ministry. Passionate about investing in the next generation of leaders, he also teaches business classes and Native ministry at various tribal and Christian colleges and speaks in a variety of settings, including churches. “It really burns in my heart to make a gospel impact among Indigenous people,” says O’Leary. “And when God truly calls you to something, He’s going to provide a way for you to fill that calling.”

Bethel honors outstanding alumni each year through the Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Awards and 4 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award. If you know an incredible alum who deserves to be recognized, let us know! Nominations are accepted year-round. 

Follow your calling. 

All of Bethel Seminary’s programs—online and in-person—are designed to equip you to advance the gospel wherever you’re called. You’ll be transformed and then equipped to transform the lives of others. Explore which program is right for you. 

Learn more