Olivet Nazarene University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Green as the university’s new University Chaplain. Green brings extensive pastoral leadership experience, military service background and a passionate commitment to spiritual formation that aligns with Olivet’s mission to provide a Christ-centered education.
Green comes to Olivet with 17 years of local church ministry experience, most recently serving as Lead Pastor of City First Church in Eugene, Oregon, for the past eight years. Under his leadership, the church experienced significant transformation characterized by multicultural worship, unity across generational and economic lines, and innovative discipleship initiatives including Spiritual Practices Plans and Discipleship Bands.
A visionary servant leader known for his infectious energy and clear vision, Green is passionate about making disciples who are immersed in God’s presence and committed to following Jesus’ teachings. His ministry experience includes developing leadership intensives, creating comprehensive discipleship systems and leading city-wide initiatives designed to make Jesus visible in everyday life.
Prior to entering vocational ministry, Green served six years in the United States Navy, bringing valuable leadership experience to his pastoral calling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry with double majors in Bible & Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Nazarene Bible College, as well as a Master of Divinity from Portland Seminary.
In his role as University Chaplain, Green will be responsible for influencing the spiritual atmosphere across Olivet’s campus. He is deeply committed to helping young adults encounter and abide in the presence of Jesus, be transformed through that relationship and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out their callings with what he describes as “risky faith, bold courage and contagious joy.”
“I am honored to join the Olivet community and contribute to the spiritual formation of these incredible young adults,” said Green. “My prayer is that together we will create an environment where students can deeply encounter Jesus, be transformed by His presence and discover how to make a meaningful difference in this world.” 
Green and his wife, Kylie, who is an ordained Elder, have three children: Riley (15), Mason (13), and Olivia (11). The Green family is excited to relocate to the Olivet community and invest in the flourishing of the next generation of Christian leaders.
Green will begin his duties as University Chaplain later this semester.
