NELSON ORKOH

Nelson A. Orkoh is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister and a graduate student at Andrews University, pursuing dual master’s degrees in divinity and social work. With over a decade of experience in youth mentorship, pastoral ministry, community outreach, and nonprofit leadership, he has served in key roles such as Youth Ministries Director, Communications Director, and Executive Director of a youth empowerment organization. Nelson is known for his strong work ethic, strategic program development, and ability to build meaningful relationships across diverse communities. He is skilled in spiritual guidance, crisis communication, and youth ministry leadership, consistently focusing on holistic growth and transformation. His academic interests include child and youth welfare, family systems, and faith-based community development. He recently presented Active Beyond Screens (ABS), a research-driven initiative promoting healthier lifestyles for children—at Andrews University’s 2025 Pitch Competition. A committed leader and mentor, Nelson is a member of the Ministerial Association of the SDA Church, the National Association of Social Workers, and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work. He has received multiple awards for community service and youth leadership.

I love to listen to gospel music anytime especially when I am not happy. I do play soccer as a way of exercising my body to keep life balance. Finally, watch soccer to entertain myself especially when I am tensed.

• Bachelor's Degree in Theological Studies, Valley View University, Ghana- 2011 to 2015
• Master's in Divinity, Andrews University, Michigan, USA - In Progress
• Master's in Social Work, Andrews University, Michigan, USA - In Progress

One of my most meaningful accomplishments is my decade-long commitment to youth mentorship, pastoral leadership, and community empowerment. As the Executive Director of Grow Youth Empowerment in Ghana, I developed and implemented programs that provided scholarships, vocational tools, and educational resources to underprivileged youth. This initiative significantly transformed the lives of many young people by equipping them with practical skills and educational opportunities.

Another major milestone was my successful pitch of the “Active Beyond Screens” (ABS) initiative at Andrews University’s 2025 Innovation Competition. This project addressed the growing concern of excessive screen time among children by offering research-driven strategies for promoting healthier, more interactive lifestyles. It exemplified my dedication to child welfare and community health.

As a dual master's student in Divinity and Social Work at Andrews University, I’ve maintained active ministry service while contributing to academic dialogue. I recently presented a research paper titled “The Role of Mentorship and Peer-Led Initiatives in Fostering Spiritual Growth Among Youth” at the 180 Symposium. My leadership roles in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, spanning communications, youth ministries, and chaplaincy—have further sharpened my ability to lead, mentor, and inspire across diverse settings.

These accomplishments reflect my passion for service, my commitment to holistic development, and my drive to influence both church and society positively.