By Rebekah Hisle
Despite COVID-19 restrictions affecting chapel attendance, many students have been working to share the love of God at AU through campus ministries.
Every week Hadley Duke, a senior music business and journalism major at AU leads 10:07, a student-led worship ministry on campus.
“A small group of students hold acoustic worship at 10:07 p.m. every Tuesday night,” said Duke. “We normally sing around seven songs, and it’s just a time for open worship and reflection.”
She explained how special the moments in 10:07 can be.
“There is no agenda, and we always encourage and welcome everyone just as they are,” said Duke. “It’s a time to step away from the stress of the week, whether it’s schoolwork or personal things, and focus on God through worshipping together.”
Duke shared her personal experience with the ministry.
“Ministries in general are so important on campus because of the community they create,” said Duke. “I know personally I have met some of my greatest friends through various ministries on campus. Not only are they great friends, but they are prayer partners and people to keep you accountable when it comes to your faith. I have been able to grow in so many ways through the ministries I’ve been involved in on campus, and my college experience has been significantly better because of them.”
When asked about the effects COVID-19 has had on the program, Duke responded with hopeful optimism.
“We were having a great turnout at 10:07 last year, but due to COVID-19, it has slowed down a bit. I hope that students continue to come and use this time to get away from a crazy week, be in community together through worship, and grow closer to God together.
Another campus ministry is prayer and spiritual formation. Lacie Roberts, an AU student, helps plan events including “We Start With Prayer.”
Roberts explained how her branch of ministry holds prayer meetings and even occasionally helps with chapel.
“Campus ministries are important at AU because they give students a chance to become connected with different parts of the community and share in the love of Christ together,” said Roberts.