John and Jen Kelsey are both from Sapulpa, OK (which is Creek Indian for “Sweet Potato”). Jen lived a storybook life along the lines of “Little House On The Prairie” at the end of an oil lease road between the Snake Farm and Keifer Hill. Kels (only his Mama calls him John) grew up in the shadow of Sugar Loaf Hill shooting pigeons and squirrels with his BB gun.
These star-crossed lovers met while Ronald Reagan was still president, and were dating by the time that Fred Schneider and the B-52’s were making it big with “Love Shack.” Life was simple then, and the happy couple said goodbye to Chieftain land and enrolled at OU.
They were told that if they wanted to get serious about their walk with God, then they had to be plugged into the OU BSU. They did just that, and the next four years changed their lives! It was through the BSU that they learned how to walk with God and give their lives to making disciples. Kels graduated in 1994 with a BA in History, and Jen graduated in 1995 with a BME.
Finally, after six long years of dating, the moment came! Kels and Jen were married in 1995, and headed off to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. They made good friends and gained valuable confidence in how to lead ministry. Kels graduated with a M.Div in 1998.
After finishing at Southwestern, Kels and Jen immediately moved back to Norman to go on staff at the BSU. They had the privilege of working alongside Max and Sandra Barnett for six years! They continued to grow in their love for students and for each other.
In 2003, Kels lassoed the stork for Jen, and little Josiah Max Kelsey was born! This wildman has yet to meet a stranger, and loves to get down to Kool & The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie.” Josiah Max enjoys trips to the zoo, eating peanut butter waffles, and working puzzles.
Kels and Jen are still trying to be life-long learners. Jen got her MME in 2002, and Kels hopes to finish his D.Min next year. Kels took over as director of the OU BSU when Max retired in 2004. With impossible shoes to fill, Kels and Jen strive to walk with Jesus and make disciples as best they know how.
The couple focuses their energy on leading the OU BSU ministry and reaching the Couch Dormitory with the Gospel. Kels is not as serious as you think, particularly when he led his family into the wrong house for a dinner party last Christmas. Jen loves to multi-task, and can always be found at the center of any great conversation or funny story!