Following graduation, most students look forward to moving back home or head out into the world searching for that first job, but for 2018 Waynesburg graduate, Lauren Bailey, she found that first job without leaving campus.
Bailey has returned to Waynesburg to take on the position of Assistant to the Center for Campus Ministry in addition to serving as the residential director for South, West, East and Pollock halls.
“As a student I experienced a lot of different aspects of campus,” said Bailey. “There are student-to-student relationships that faculty and staff aren’t able to experience. Experiencing how students interact without staff around and thinking about what I would’ve liked to experience [versus] what went really well helped my growth through four years here. All of those things will and already have influenced the way I interact with students and what I’m hoping to accomplish as a staff member.”
Bailey is excited for the opportunity to join the campus ministry team of Reverend James Tinnemeyer and Assistant Chaplain Josh Sumpter who have set forth a vision for faith that has grown over time at Waynesburg.
“Having another person, so having three instead of two allows for more hands-on work and more face [to face] time,” said Bailey. “I have a lot to learn, so I know a lot from being a student here, but I have to learn still and there will be for a long time. This year I want to understand the dynamics of what Rev. Tinnemeyer and Professor Sumpter are hoping to accomplish through campus ministry which I understand to a degree, but they are both super wise and have a lot to give to the campus. I’m hoping to learn from them and help spread that vision across campus through different events. There are a couple things I have thought about adding or changing but really, it’s about that vision.”
Sumpter finds that Bailey will add a lot to the staff as she embraces the ability to teach students about Jesus.
“Lauren has a desire to serve, love, and encourage students at WU,” said Sumpter. “She desires to point them to Jesus and goes out of her were to provide intentional care for the students that come her way. As a recent grad, she understandings the ministry opportunities that take place on campus and desires to assist students in getting connected as they grow at WU.”
Taking a step back to look at Bailey’s faith, her breakthrough with the Lord came during her teenage years, specifically in middle school.
“I grew up in a Christian household and both of my parents professed faith, but it was more of a surface level faith, not actually having a relationship with Jesus,” said Bailey. “It was more stating that I was a Christian. Then in middle school, it was a rough time for a lot of people, and I had just moved from Las Vegas to Pittsburgh, my parents were getting a divorce and it was just a difficult time. That was a huge moment in my faith where I recognized the Holy Spirit for the first time and that was the moment where I prayed to the Lord and wanted to serve him.”
After choosing to go to school at Waynesburg, Bailey allowed herself an opportunity to grow her faith by meeting new people and interacting with the Lord in different ways.
“College was the first place where I learned what that meant and what it looked like,” said Bailey. “Through Professor Sumpter and Chuck Bailey, the CCO, and a lot of people through my time at Waynesburg that poured into and helped me figure out what does it really mean to serve the Lord.”
Now Bailey returns to Waynesburg to serve God through life and the university.
“I’m working for the Kingdom of God and I’m a part of it and working to enhance that in my own personal kingdom and glory.”
Sumpter is excited to see what she can bring and share with students and staff of Waynesburg.
“Lauren has the opportunity to share life with students and to impact others in the same way that others impacted her. She is a blessing to our University community,” said Sumpter.
Bailey is busy during the day and even some nights but turns to a couple of different activities in her free time.
“I like to run, so some people think it’s weird, but I destress by running,” said Bailey. “I get up in the morning and run, I’m also really into podcasts, I think they are really awesome. I listen to them while I’m running or while I’m making dinner. If I’m doing something mindless I enjoy listening to them.”
As Bailey continues to learn the ministry system at Waynesburg, her impact will be felt immediately through conversation.
“When it comes to faith in general, the classroom or having conversations with people, I’m intrigued to understand so that causes me to ask a lot of questions,” said Bailey. I think I genuinely care about people. I’m interested in how students are and what they’re doing, what their faith looks like and what they’re struggling with and what makes them joyful.”