Spiritual development for students, faculty and staff is an important part of the Olivet experience. Chaplain Mark Holcomb ’81/’18 D.D., takes leadership for providing many of the elements to make that possible.
Each year, Chaplain Holcomb casts a vision for each semester of chapel services and invites top Christian speakers and preachers to present messages that tie into the theme. Fall 2020 chapel services will revolve around Matthew 13 and explore the theme “The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…” Each chapel service will feature worship music led by chapel worship coordinator, Nathan Lain ’18, and student musicians.
Speakers scheduled for the fall 2020 chapels at Olivet are:
• Dr. John C. Bowling, University President
• Dr. Mark Quanstrom, Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry and Lead Pastor of College Church of the Nazarene, University Avenue
• Dr. Jay Martinson, Dean of Online Learning for Residential Campus
• Montele Crawford, Senior Pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church
• Dr. Gabriel Salguero, Pastor of Calvario City Church
• J.P. Troglio, Lead Pastor of Oasis Church Chicago
• Rusty Funk, National Director of Team World Vision
• Michaele LaVigne, Pastor of Spiritual Formation of 8th Street Church of the Nazarene
This year, the Crawford Auditorium and the rehearsal room in Centennial Chapel will be used as classroom space throughout the week. Chapel speakers and music will be recorded and premiered on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Chaplain Holcomb developed supplemental weekday touchpoints for the campus community which include Upper Room (student-led worship service on Monday nights); weekly words of encouragement (via campus email and Life at Olivet social media on Tuesdays); small group curriculum (led by resident assistants); Chap Chats (time of conversation with Chaplain Holcomb on Thursday evenings); and a weekly email devotional (on Friday afternoon).
When the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel and the Crawford Auditorium were constructed and dedicated in 2010, the primary focus was on bringing the Olivet community together in one place for worship and spiritual growth. Every academic year, chapel messages add significant meaning to campus life. In that setting, many have accepted Christ and committed or recommitted to serve Him.
Published: 8/14/2020
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