Student-led worship services will return to campus on a weekly basis at Campbell University for the first time since 2019, Dean for Spiritual Life and Campus Minister Rev. Louisa Ward announced. The services will be held at 6 p.m. on Mondays in Butler Chapel, kicking off with an Aug. 24 service titled “Welcome to Worship!”
Ward called the announcement “a major step forward” for Campbell University’s Strategic Plan and its commitment to strengthening its reputation as a Christ-centered institution and gathering place for “people from all backgrounds who wish to live, learn and grow in a thriving Christian community.”
“Students made it clear this is what they wanted during the listening sessions for the Strategic Plan,” Ward said. “When they participate in every aspect of the worship experience — from learning to planning it, standing in front of their peers and inviting others into a time of worship — then we’re building skills. We’re providing a space for learning, and because this is what the students are asking for, it’s important that they’re invested and involved.”
Those students still need guidance, and that’s where new Campus Worship Director Ethan Moore comes in. Moore — a Michigan State University and Duke Divinity School graduate — will oversee that Monday evening services, as well as other worship opportunities throughout the year. Prior to coming to Campbell, Moore has led worship in church settings for over a decade, primarily through Vineyard Churches, and in groups while at Duke.
Moore said he will work with students to create weekly services “that blend contemporary and traditional elements so that people from across all kinds of traditions can find a place to express their worship to God with their peers.”
“I’m really excited to work with the students specifically. How cool would it be if the next generation of worship leaders, regardless of tradition or denomination, were getting equipped and honing their craft here at Campbell University?” Moore said. “I think we have a really unique opportunity with this reintroduction of campus worship to do something unique and not to feel like there is some sort of past expression we have to emulate. We can listen together for what the Holy Spirit is doing at Campbell University at this specific time and place and move in that direction together as a body of Christ followers.”
Worship services will feature guest speakers, with Ward delivering sermons on Aug. 24 (“Welcome to Worship!”) and Aug. 31 (“Faithful Witnesses”). Leslie Park, executive director of Baptist Women In Ministry Of North Carolina; Colin Kroll from Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Justin McDowell from Campbell’s Office of Spiritual Life will speak on Sept. 14, 21 and 28 respectively for a three-part series on “A Culture of Calling: Notice, Name, Nurture.”
Service will continue through November with a four-week series on “Welcoming Advent: A Season of Shadow and Light.”
Weekly Worship Schedule
Mondays at 6 p.m. in Butler Chapel
(Speakers subject to change)
- August 16 (New Student Worship)
- August 24 Welcome to Worship! (Louisa Ward, OSL)
- August 31 Faithful Witnesses (Louisa Ward, OSL)
- September 14 A Culture of Calling: Notice, Name, Nurture (Leslie Park, BWIM NC Director)
- Dinner to follow + Calling discussion on noticing calling(s)
- September 21 A Culture of Calling: Notice, Name, Nurture (Colin Kroll, CBF)
- Dinner to follow + calling discussion on naming calling(s)
- September 28 A Culture of Calling: Notice, Name, Nurture (Justin McDowell, OSL)
- Dinner to follow + calling discussion on nurturing calling(s)
- October 5 Pet Blessing or Ministry Group led worship night (student testimonies)
- October 12 Practicing Pilgrimage: Risk (Morgan Pajak, OSL)
- October 19 Practicing Pilgrimage: Trust (Taylor Long, FBC Greenville, SC)
- October 26 Practicing Pilgrimage: Walking (Kendal Dunn, CU alumni and author)
- November 2 Practicing Pilgrimage: Companionship + All Saint’s Day (Louisa Ward, OSL)
- November 9 Welcoming Advent, A Season of Shadow and Light: Expectation (TBD)
- November 16 Welcoming Advent, A Season of Shadow and Light: Preparation (Lendl Sugg, Athletics)
- November 23 Welcoming Advent, A Season of Shadow and Light: Anticipation (Charlie Price, IT)
- November 30 Welcoming Advent, A Season of Shadow and Light: Gratitude/Christmas (Rebecca Mathis, CUDS)
How Can I Keep From Singing: A Story Telling Hour
Story telling is sacred work — and lots of fun. It’s a way to share who we are and learn about others. It’s also how we share our faith. This series invites voices from across campus to tell stories from their life in engaging and truthful ways.
First Friday of every month at noon in Butler Chapel
- September 4 with Jimmy Williams
- October 2 with Dr. Downs (complete event form)
- November 6 with Dr. Faithe Beam
- December 4 with Dani Evans
Life Beyond Youth Group
Learning how to find or create Christian community when you’ve always had one built in is hard work. Life beyond youth group will explore what faith formation in college can look like, remind you of the resources on campus to engage in your faith, and look at the gifts this season of life will bring.
Thursdays at 3 p.m. in Butler Chapel
- September 10 Life Beyond Youth Group: Spiritual Formation in the College Years (Morgan Pajak and Eliza Barnes)
- September 17 Life Beyond Youth Group: Practicing Your Faith +Understanding Your Resource Network on Campus (Morgan Pajak, Eliza Barnes, and Ministry Group Leaders)
- September 24 Life Beyond Youth Group: Understanding Curiosity, Doubt, Growth, and Faith in College, (Eliza Barnes and student leaders)
- October 1 Life Beyond Youth Group: Importance of Christian Community (Justin McDowell and Eliza Barnes OSL)
Things We Should Talk More About
Each year students in CUC 100 are asked to share what they think should be talked more about and each year sacred (and sarcastic) things are shared across the class as we look at the values we share and the things we have in common. This series invites individuals from across campus to talk about the things they think should be talked more about. They are not experts. They don’t have a reference page, but they are passionate about what they have to say and you’ll want to talk more about it after you leave.
Thursdays at 12:20 p.m. in Butler Chapel
- September 17 Kayla Clark, Academic Advising
- September 24 Kim Whitted, IT
- October 1 Jennifer Skully, Wiggins Library
- October 15 Haven Hottle, Marketing and Communications
- October 22 Chris Hemeyer, Athletics
- October 29 Eric Baumann, Student Life – Campus Recreation
- November 12 Duasine Benjamin, Student Life – Residence Life
- November 19 Sara Acosta, Divinity School – Student Services
Wild Robot Reading Group led by Louisa Ward
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island, with only animal inhabitants to live with. Created to assist humans she struggles to know what her purpose is until she meets Brightbill. Together we will read this New York Times young reader best seller and discuss topics of identity, purpose, and meaning for ourselves as Roz discovers hers. Books will be provided to participants. Pre-registration is required by September 15. (create link)
Butler Chapel, 3 p.m.
- September 23 Wild Robot, pages 1 – 51
- September 30 Wild Robot pages 52-116
- October 14 Wild Robot, pages 117-193
- October 21 Wild Robot, pages 193 – end
- October 28 Wild Robot Movie Night + Panel Discussion, Butler Chapel 5:00pm
The Bible Project: Learning to Study the Bible, Led by Morgan Pajak
In a survey of Campbell students last spring, students indicated wanting more practical ways to understand what they read in scripture. Using The Bible Project videos and discussions students will explore together what is in scripture, how to read it, ways to apply it, and heathy practices to continue reading scripture on their own and in community with one another. Each week covers two topics. Bring your own Bible or pick one up in Butler Chapel. Note taking is encouraged!
Butler Chapel, 3 p.m.
- October 15 The Bible Project
- October 22 The Bible Project
- October 29 The Bible Project
Practical Acts of Generosity Led by Cameron Jorgenson and Rachel Nelson
Bringing together elements of character education and theological reflection this series will focus on generosity as a characteristic of Christ that should be embodied by Campbell students, faculty, and staff.
Butler Chapel, 3 p.m.
- November 5 Practical Acts of Generosity, week 1
- November 12 Practical Acts of Generosity, week 2
- November 19 Practical Acts of Generosity, week 3
OSL with students + SGA partnership events
Each month OSL is planning time just to play and have fun getting to know students. SGA will be part of helping to plan and promote these events for the student body.
- August 19 OSL in Student Union with Weaving Project, 12-2 (SGA invited)
- August 21 OSL in Student Union with Weaving Project, 12-2 (SGA invited)
- September 25 OSL + SGA, time with students 12-2
- October 23 OSL + SGA, time with students 12-2
- November 20 OSL + SGA, time with students 12-2
Worship Listening Sessions
This series of listening sessions is for student/participant feedback, learning, and growth as Campus Worship returns to a weekly schedule. Assessing student need, interest, and expectations will be part of data collected.
- September 30 Worship Listening Sessions noon and 5 p.m., Butler
- December 2 Worship Listening Session, noon, Butler
Spiritual Formation days in First Year Seminars
Pulling the thread of spiritual formation across the first three semesters of the student experience (FYS >CUC 100>CUC200), OSL staff members spend time in each first year seminar introducing students to spiritual formation in the college years and discussing ways to engage their faith while at Campbell. This is also where students are introduced to the importance and value of the University’s Christian identity, why and when they take Connections, and what to expect from the community at Campbell as they discover, explore, and express their faith.
- August 18 ENGR 100 – Understanding the Campbell Community (Louisa Ward)
- October 13 CPHS FYS Intro SF in the college years + hallmarks (Morgan Pajak, Justin McDowell, Rachel Neslon)
- October 15 CPHS FYS Intro SF in the college years + hallmarks (Morgan Pajak, Justin McDowell, Rachel Nelson)
- November 4 CUFS Intro to Spiritual Formation in the College Years 8:00 AM to 10:50 AM and 2 PM to 4:50 PM (Morgan Pajak, Justin McDowell)
- November 5 CUFS Intro to Spiritual Formation in the College Years 8 AM to 3:20 PM (Morgan Pajak, Justin McDowell)
Pilgrimage
- October 26-November 30 Prayer Labyrinth in Butler Chapel 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all week
- November 6-8 Pilgrimage Retreat