The Susie C. Holley Religious Center is the core of spiritual awareness on campus. Its primary goal is to promote an ecumenical and interfaith experience for students, faculty and staff through the presentation of the Word– proclaimed and taught.
In the latter case, Dr. Jamila Jackson, Dean of Campus Ministry, has developed and implemented weekly Bible Study settings– one on Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. in the chapel for students and another for the general university community on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. in the chapel. These settings are designed to address current issues as well as traditional questions of spirituality for Christian novices as well as those committed to the Word of God through having had a long spiritual walk.
The goal is to encourage students, faculty, and staff to take just a “moment with God†to study the word per the language of 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.†The Word strengthens our walk with the Lord.
The objective of the student-centered Bible Study is to encourage students not to neglect their spiritual development. On a university campus, the challenges to faith are many. Students are exposed to new people, new knowledge and, in many cases, a new city and surroundings. This is all without the protection and comfort of family. These elements create a transition experience that calls for personal stability and connectedness to the divine.
The Dean of Campus Ministry, in consultation with the Student Government Association, student leaders and ministry leaders from a multiplicity of denominations, has prepared a series of lessons for students to address key issues pertinent to their matriculation – faith, forgiveness, personal development, handling crises, manhood and womanhood, etc. Students will be challenged to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. Student led Bible study groups are encouraged to connect with Campus Ministry for support.
The Tuesday noon study is open to the university community. Faculty, staff and students are welcome. This setting is provided as a spiritual respite in the school day to commune with the Lord through the Word. The noon study offers a chance to enjoy the company of other believers who are passionate about knowing more about God and strengthening their faith walk. Each day brings its share of challenges and requires knowing how to respond to the vagaries of life. Therefore, this setting will focus on practical living. Paul encourages believers to “walk worthy†in Ephesians 4:1. Regardless of whether one is at work or in school, there is a need to be an example. Moreover, no believer can ever study too much. There is a need to know how to reverence God, how to commune with Him, and how to live in ways that please Him. These two studies are meant to enhance belief, strengthen believers and to encourage them to know the Lord intimately. These studies will take place in the Susie C. Holley Religious Center.
