4x4s
What are 4x4s?
4x4s are four- or eight-week small group chapel opportunities facilitated by Messiah employees. While 4x4s cover a wide range of faith-related topics based on the interests of students and expertise of facilitators, each offering supports one or more of Messiah’s spiritual formation outcomes.
4x4s give students the opportunity to choose (from among thoughtfully curated choices) where and how to lean into their own process of spiritual formation as they earn chapel credits by engaging in topics that interest them. These smaller chapel settings promote discussion, relationship-building, and accountability in ways that generally are not possible in the context of other, larger chapel gatherings.
4x4s are held in two four-week waves each semester during the Thursday 9:30-10:15 am chapel time. Facilitators choose whether their particular 4x4 spans one wave or both waves for a total of four or eight weeks.
Fall 2025 4x4 Registration
First Wave: Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16
Second Wave: Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20
See the list of this semester’s 4x4 offerings below, then return to REGISTER HERE. Registration for 4x4s that occur in the second wave only will be available in mid-October.
Rooted & Resilient: Faith, Justice, and the Work We Do - for Criminal Justice majors and minors only
(Kelly Waltman) - Boyer 138
We will explore how we can lean on our Christian faith and spiritual practices to sustain us while working in the justice system. Together, we’ll reflect on the challenges of showing up with integrity in difficult spaces, the role of prayer and mindfulness in building resilience, and what it means to live out our faith through justice-centered work.
Skillful Hands, Integrity of Heart - Worship Community only (Doug Curry) - Hostetter 120
Students in the Messiah University Worship Community have a privileged and 'high' responsibility - facilitating worship of Almighty God. Following the leadership parameter established in Psalm 78.70-72, this 4x4 will combine theological, biblical, and practical wisdom (praxis) to our privileged responsibility.
Fish Stories? Finding Meaning, Hope, and Truth in Larger-than-Life Biblical Storytelling
(Spencer Rennels) - Boyer 234
Using clips from the movie Big Fish and stories from both the Old and New Testaments, we'll explore how truth can still be found within Biblical stories that seem to be larger-than-life. Resisting the modern urge to separate fact and fiction, reality and myth, accuracy and embellishment, may allow us to discover meaning, truth, and hope in familiar stories.
Words of Wisdom: Faithfully Navigating Burnout, Balance, and Purpose in Your Career
(Lauren Garcia & Evie Telfer) - Kline 113
Have you ever wondered how to balance your professional goals with rest and relationships? Or what true faithfulness looks like in the workplace? In this chapel series, residents from Messiah Village share their personal stories and invaluable wisdom from their professional journeys— through successes, failures, sacrifices, and faith. You will get to hear the lessons they wish they’d known when they were your age: how to find purpose in your work, navigate unexpected detours, prioritize what truly matters, and leave a legacy that lasts. Walk away with impactful stories and practical guidance you won’t find in a textbook. Join us as the Messiah Council on Family Relations (MCFR) partners once again with Messiah Lifeways for this enriching intergenerational experience.
The Sermon on the Mount - women only (Lauren Babyak) - Boyer 330
We are constantly surrounded by voices telling us how to think, act, and look. The world suggests a version of success, identity, and happiness—but Jesus offers something radically different. In this 4x4 we will study the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and learn together what it means to follow Him in a world that often points us in the opposite direction.
Won't You Be My (and God's) Neighbor? (Ed Arke) - Boyer 235
Join us for time to slow down and reflect on the theology and philosophy of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
So, God, Here's the Thing...A Study in Habakkuk (Karen Harrington) - Boyer 138
So God, here’s the thing...I have just about had it with how messy my life and this world is. What are you going to do about it? I am waiting... Using a variety of resources as well as opportunities to reflect individually and share collectively, we will walk through Habakkuk’s laments for himself and for his people, consider how God shows up for His people, and how as Christ-followers we can lean into courage and righteousness; living by faith in the midst of what seems like insurmountable odds.
Silent Prayer (Doug Curry) - Hostetter 120
This 4x4 will provide a quiet, contemplative space for students to pray, reflect, and enjoy God’s presence. Each session will begin with a brief prompt to offer guidance for the time, but the majority of the session will be unstructured, as we take a break from the busyness and noise of our lives to allow God’s spirit to speak to us in stillness and quiet.
The Screwtape Letters (Rick Schaeffer) - Kline 019
With a goal of developing deeper wisdom and faithfulness in following Christ, this chapel will discuss the advice given by a senior devil to a junior tempter about how to make Christians impotent and irrelevant in C.S. Lewis’s classic book, The Screwtape Letters.
What Does the Bible Say About Money? (Zachary Richardson) - Boyer 331
Join us for a discussion about what the Bible says about money and real-world advice for faithful financial stewardship.
Collaboratory Chapel (Matthew Wilkins) - Frey 070
Collab chapel provides students an opportunity to hear from multiple speakers about how their faith impacts their daily life. Students, faculty, and alumni share what it looks like when faith intersects with school and work. Following the message, students will separate into small groups to discuss how the message can be applied in their own lives.
AROMA Chapel (Rodrigo de Mendoza Barrera) - Hitchcock Arena
Join Messiah’s sports ministry, AROMA, for a time of fellowship and biblical teaching. Sports are a gift from God intended for the glory of His name. Our culture has made sport an idol and we find ourselves often worshiping the gift rather than the giver. Be challenged and encouraged to seek first the kingdom through sports. Be a part of the revolution!
MAP: Restoring the Roots of our Sexual Brokenness - men only (Mike Blount & Men's Ministry)
- The Loft
Together with Men's Ministry, this series will navigate the challenges of unwanted sexual behaviors as men progress in healing and away from porn dependency/problematic sexual behaviors. Goals of this series include helping men 1) develop a deeper understanding of God's heart for men amid unwanted sexual behavior, 2) dismantle shame and learned false beliefs in order to break the addiction cycle, 3) develop lasting tools for outgrowing porn and supporting one another, and 4) grow in wisdom to think and act faithfully with sexual integrity.
Rest is Not a Reward: A Case for Sabbath in the 21st Century (Emily Bingham) - Boyer 434
In our fast-paced, achievement-driven culture, rest often feels like a luxury we haven’t earned and can’t afford. But what if rest is a gift and not a reward? Join us we explore the theology and practice of Sabbath from Genesis to Revelation, discovering God’s invitation to do less and live more. Note: Students in this 4x4 will have the opportunity to participate in a study about sabbath as part of Pastor Emily’s doctoral research. Participation in the study is not required to attend this 4x4.
Sin, Salvation, and the Studio: A Bible Study for Artists (Daniel Finch) - Climenhaga 117 (Fine Arts Building - CFAC)
Our time together will be focusing upon prayer, scripture reading, testimonies, and external readings dealing with Christ and the arts.
Unraveling Shame (Emma Dougherty) - Jordan 074
Let’s take away the power of shame by talking about how people of faith can understand and address it. In this chapel series, we will work together to define shame, explore how it shows up in our lives, and identify helpful ways to respond to shame when we experience it.
Try Softer (Aubrey Kleinfeld) - Agape Center Basement
When we get overwhelmed, we often try harder and either panic or crash out. Aundi Kolber offers some helpful practices in her book, Try Softer that we'll practice together in order to learn how to move from a place of overwhelm and numbing to a place of setting good boundaries and growing to live a life more connected to God, ourselves and each other. Each week, we'll learn a new practice that invites reflection and connection.
The Chosen (Ethan Kiggins) - Boyer 137 (Parmer Cinema)
The Chosen is a historical drama television series about the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Primarily set in Judea and Galilee in the 1st century, the series centers on Jesus and the different people who met and followed or otherwise interacted with him. Join us as we view and discuss season 4 of The Chosen.
A Rational Faith: Journeying through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity - women only (Rachel Fleagle) -Boyer 334
Enjoy an engaging discussion as we read through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity together. Topics will include the law of human nature, morality, forgiveness, why Christianity is trustworthy, and what it truly means to take up our cross and follow Christ.
Psalm 23 (David & Laura Bibighaus) - Boyer 430
Take a deep dive with us into the 23rd Psalm. Although many are familiar with this chapter, we will dig into these six small verses and uncover fresh insights as to why we need our Good Shepherd daily.
For Employees
Any current Messiah University employee is eligible to submit a proposal to facilitate a 4x4. Facilitators are welcome to utilize student leaders and other presenters with approval from the Office of Campus Ministries, but the employee-facilitator ultimately bears responsibility for the 4x4 programming and must be present for each session. Employees interested in serving as a 4x4 facilitator should submit a proposal here. Proposals for the fall semester are due by the end of May, and proposals for the spring semester are due by the end of fall classes.