From Pulpit to Spotlight: ORU's Josiah Johnson Discusses Theatre and ORU's Joie Ink Comedy Group

In narratives of faith, there can be a misconception that "God's calling" is limited to ministry or missions work. God's call transcends narrow categories, reaching into diverse fields and purposes. For some, this might mean stepping away from traditional ministry roles and embracing a completely different path, such as theatre. This was the journey of ORU's Josiah Johnson, who found his divine calling not in the pulpit but on the stage.

"When I came to ORU," Josiah said, "I initially enrolled as a ministry major. In class, I was surrounded by students who had deep, Biblical questions. Personally, I didn't have all these extra questions. Coming from a Christian high school, I already had a background in theology. I love God, and I know His word, but for me, traditional ministry wasn't something I wanted to study for the next four years."

Out of the Ministry; Into the Theatre

During his freshman year, Josiah spent Labor Day weekend trying to discern his calling from God. Conventional ministry, Josiah knew, wasn't what he was called to do. In high school, Josiah had fallen in love with acting, and guided by prayer, friends, and family, he ultimately decided to switch his major from ministry to theatre.

"As soon as I switched," Josiah said, "I had a sense of purpose. I knew I was where God wanted me to be. With acting, I get to express how I feel, and in doing so, I can show people the brighter side of things in life. I can give them hope. Or I can reach people at humanity's biggest connecting point: brokenness. For the broken, I can provide encouragement through acting."

God's calling directed Josiah to theatre; it brought him to a place where he finally discovered his purpose. This has introduced Josiah to a number of artistic opportunities at ORU, including Joie Ink, ORU's sketch comedy group. Bringing together students from different majors and interests, Joie Ink allows artists to participate in original skits, mini-movies, and live performances. Last year, Josiah was a featured member of Joie Ink's 3rd season cast. This offered him the chance to create short films and perform improv in front of a studio audience.

"As Christians," Josiah said, "we can be funny. We're supposed to laugh and smile and be filled with joy. People can be constrained by discomfort, and Joie taught me that through comedy and laughter, I can help break down walls. And when the walls finally come down, the Lord can speak to each person."

Standing on Stage with God

When it comes to performing, Josiah has a natural talent for comedy, but if you ask him, his first love is the stage and live performance. In live theatre, the show must always go on, which gives Josiah a chance to turn things over to God. "God's got this," he says; it's something he holds on to knowing that once the curtain opens, there's no turning back.

"I love working with creatives," Josiah said, "who put their faith in the Lord. The ORU Theatre Department is a welcoming space for God, but it's also home to a group of very talented performers. I'm training with actors who are studying hard to perfect their craft, but at the same time, I'm surrounded by a family of artists who really love the Lord."

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.