Spiritual development for students, faculty and staff is vital element of a vibrant experience at Olivet Nazarene University. Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday at 9:30 a.m., the student body meets in Centennial Chapel to hear from leading speakers representing a variety of industries and faith backgrounds. Chaplain Mark Holcomb ’81/D.D. ’18 and the team in the Office of Spiritual Development take 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 2021 chapel services will explore the theme of what it means to be someone’s neighbor.
Chaplain Holcomb said of the theme, “This is a different call than the prayer for us to become one, but it is how we are called to live in our world. Becoming good neighbors — the best neighbors — is how Jesus wants us to be with everyone. Just like we wrestled with the question, ‘How are we doing?’ when it comes to seeing the prayer of Jesus answered in modern times, this fall we will wrestle with the same question, ‘How are we doing?’ but this time regarding the call to become good neighbors.”
Each chapel service will feature worship music led by student ministry groups, City on a Hill and The Narrow.
Additional speakers scheduled for fall 2021 chapels at Olivet are:
• Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, University President
• Efrem Smith, Founding Pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church
• Dale Schaeffer, Florida District Superintendent
• Steve Davis, Lead Pastor of TrueNorth Church
• Michelle Ami Reyes, Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative
• Jeff Stark, Director of the Center for Theological Leadership
• Matthew Soerens, U.S. Director of Church Mobilization — World Relief
• Antonio Marshall, Associate Chaplain
• Kent Annan, Director of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership Institute
• Theon Hill, Associate Professor of Communications — Wheaton College
• Chris Pollock, Pastor of 8th Street Church
• Sherri Lynn, Radio Professional
• Rusty Funk, Senior Director — Team World Vision
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. To watch chapel services live, check out Olivet’s streaming portal.
The Office of Spiritual Development has also developed weekday touchpoints and ministries for the campus community which include Upper Room (student-led worship service on Monday nights), HeArt, Prayer Warriors, Heart4Missions, Best Buddies, Habitat for Humanity, Life Support, Mission Possible and S.O.S. (Save Our Streets); small group curriculum (led by resident assistants); and a weekly email devotional (on Friday afternoon). There are additional short-term ministry trips offered each
For more information about life at Olivet, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 8/31/2021
LB
