Chapel program restructured

Small groups now available for those looking for life outside Brubaker

Attending chapel services always has been a mainstay—and a requirement—of the Messiah College experience. Chapel provides a time for the student body to gather for worship and reflection while also illuminating new thoughts and ideas. For years, students were required to attend 24 chapels each semester. These included common chapels held in Brubaker Auditorium Tuesday and Thursday mornings and alternate chapels, which were usually held in the evenings by various student-led clubs.

During the 2015 fall semester, the college ministries team revamped the chapel program. Now, students must attend 14 chapels each semester.

“Here’s what chapel’s all about: It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to exalt Lord Jesus, the one who’s made us, who’s redeemed us,” said College Pastor Don Opitz.

The new chapel program is structured around three opportunities to attend each week. Tuesday morning chapel involves a large group worship in Brubaker Auditorium. Tuesday evening chapel, held in Hostetter Chapel, can include a lecture, worship service or discussion on issues through a lens of faith.

Thursday morning chapel, held at various campus locations, offers concurrent worship options. Students can join a six-week series, which centers on a book or Bible study. Or, they can attend the Kairos and Salt & Light chapel services led by student leaders and chaplains.

The chapel format changes address the needs of students from many diverse backgrounds, providing a choice in worship.

This way, we are hoping students are more intentional about attending chapels,” said Evie Telfer, student ministries pastor. “We don’t want it to be just about swiping their cards to satisfy a requirement.

Throughout the years chapel has remained consistent in its mission to provide students with exposure to different sectors of the church and theologies and what’s happening around the world in order to engage with challenging thoughts and ideas.

“I hope students leave chapel with an idea that provokes thought, a seed that gets planted, and causes them to think more or have a conversation and pray,” said Telfer. 

—Adela Antal ’16