“Chapel is the central expression of Waynesburg University,” chaplain Anthony Jarrell said. 

Every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Roberts Chapel, a service is held for students and faculty to attend. It is a time when classes take a break and allow students to gather with one another to breathe and reflect. Jarrell highlighted the benefits of chapel. 

“At Chapel, we get to encourage one another and grow together in this shared mission,” Jarrell said. 

As an institution, Waynesburg’s existence is based off the continued mission to drive each student to the calling of God and his plan.

“We all want our students to feel connected to each other, to God and to the faculty and staff,” Jarrell said. 

Since recently stepping into the role of Chaplain, Jarrell expressed his excitement to work with the students and build those connections with the entire campus as much as possible. Increasing student attendance at chapel and at all ministry events can only benefit and build those relationships.

Increasing regular student attendance has been a recent goal for the ministry staff. A spike in student engagement is often shown when peers or popular speakers give testimonies, or when a professor gives an incentive for going. The objective of the Chaplain and Campus Ministry Assistants is to keep those high attendance numbers consistently.

Students are also trying to encourage each other to attend. Junior Campus Ministry Assistant Evan Como shared that the best way for overall engagement to increase is simply for people to invite their friends. 

“Relationships are so important in ministry, and anyone can have a massive effect on another’s faith,” Como said.

Chapel is much more than just a personal faith experience for those who attend. The messages that are given each week have key takeaways that many can relate to.

“Although the message may not be solely for me, I am able to learn valuable lessons about my faith, and most importantly the Lord,” Como said.

Chapel isn’t the only opportunity for students to get together and worship. There is multiple weekly bible studies catered specifically to different groups, which allows for close relationships to grow.

Morning devotionals are open to everyone. 

“Every Monday morning, there will be a devotional at 9:30 in the center for campus ministry to start your week on a positive note,” Como said.

Jarrell shared information about an upcoming Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh over Valentine’s Day weekend. This conference is built around connecting students to God and their education.

“It’s not too late for students to register and come to the party in Pittsburgh for all of Valentine’s Day weekend,” Jarrell said. 

Information on weekly chapel is posted on the Toilet Paper provided by the Student Activities Board. Updates on campus ministry events and bible studies can be found on the WU campus ministry Instagram account and on myConnect.