6 minute read
Leadership Impact Shapes Campus Ministry
Advertisement
by Brett Moser x’03/’21
“What am I missing in life?” “I have a place in me that feels empty.” “Faith for me in my childhood was kind of just going through the motions.” These types of statements have been common among our students at UJ, according to Kirstie Dobson, Director of Campus Ministry and Care.
At the University of Jamestown, our response to these questions is to come alongside our students – serving and loving them while encouraging an atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for their continuing growth.
This atmosphere aims to give students space to explore their faith, asking tough questions related to their worldview, processing life experiences, and exploring philosophy of ministry and theology. “There are three areas that Campus ministry focuses on,” explained Dobson, who just completed her first year at UJ. “I want every student to know that they are loved and cared about and that this is a safe place for you. Second, we desire to help with transitions in the lives of students as there are many of them. And third, we desire to see students leverage their lives as conduits of service to the UJ community, to the community of Jamestown, and to the world.”
This focus mirrors Jesus’ directive to his disciples to be his witnesses and servants… “In Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Student Leadership
An encouraging trend at UJ has been the rise of leadership teams and students involved in campus ministry. “I have sometimes up to 12 team meetings a week with our 12 student-led ministry teams, that currently involves 85 student-leaders.”
Leadership teams focus on a variety of areas including bible studies, prayer, worship, and social media. This development can only be accomplished with the development of relationships.
Kirstie’s philosophy in building relationships comes down to accessibility. “I spend so much time in Knight Hall,” she explained. “This is kind of like the kitchen island for me… It is where students eat, but also where they pause and slowdown from their rigorous schedules of classes, studying, athletic practices, and performance rehearsals.”
The fruit of the impact of what is happening on campus is evident.
“Since stepping foot on campus, I was welcomed with open arms into campus ministry,” reflected Sarah Azure ’22. “Though most of my childhood faith was just going through the motions, in college I was exposed to different forms of prayer, worship, and bible study. This is where I dove into my faith.”
Nathaniel Holmes ’22 compared campus ministry to an anchor that held onto him through one of the darkest storms.
“When I first got to UJ, I was going through changes. God was breaking me down to mold me the right way,” he explained. “Without campus ministry, I’m sure I would’ve lost my way to the point of no return. I believe campus ministry is a beacon of hope and life for those who are lost in this world.”
This past year, Azure and Holmes teamed up with fellow UJ senior Kamree Carson to record an original song, titled, “The Well.” “Through the worship team, I met some of the greatest and most talented people I know,” said Azure. “I experienced God working through us every week in our rehearsals and at chapel. It was such a blessing to be a part of it.”
Holmes gave the backdrop to this work that was released around Easter 2022:
“I wrote ‘The Well’ during a period in my life where I felt like I had no more fight in me! I was completely lost, alone, and couldn’t feel God’s presence anymore. I just sat at the piano and literally cried out. I was holding a lot of pain and grief inside, and I wouldn’t let it go. The more I played, the more I began to be open and honest, and it was like the words of the song just fell from my lips. Last August, I was able to learn from Grammy winners Maverick City Music, learning the importance of worshipping as a collective. I couldn’t wait to get back on campus and see my sisters and sing together.”
Available on Spotify and Apple Music
The trio along with Logan Berggren, released a new song, “Trust” on July 22.
Whether it is developing relationships, addressing tough questions, leading ministry teams, participating in bible studies, or worshipping and recording, Campus Ministry at UJ is seeing some special things.
Soli Deo Gloria
ALUMNI DEPARTMENT
Meet some of our newest team members
Please help us welcome two new UJ employees to the Department of Development and Alumni Relations!
Bryce Nybo ’20, ’22
Born and raised in Bismarck,
Bryce has called UJ home since 2016, when he began his undergraduate studies.
After serving as the graduate assistant coach for the men’s hockey team for two years, Bryce began his new journey at
UJ in the Department of
Development and Alumni
Relations.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue to call the University of Jamestown my home with my new role as the Director of Alumni Relations and Friends of the Arts,” he said. “I am looking forward to building relationships with my fellow Jimmie alumni to give current and future students the same opportunities that I was given.”
Bryce and his brother Jace Nybo ’15 were both persuaded to attend the “college on the hill” by their neighbor, “third grandparent”, and proud Jimmie grads Ruth (Mayer) x’51 and James Gray ’51. During his undergraduate time at UJ, Bryce participated in Men’s Soccer, SNDU (an education organization), and travelled abroad. He even met his wife, Addie Keller ’20—who is the Coordinator of Student Engagement at UJ—in Watson Hall. Bryce graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2020 and went on to earn his Master of Arts in Leadership in May 2022.
During his free time, Bryce enjoys walking his dog Lulu, sporting events, golfing, and being active in events around campus.
Tess (Scott) Hirschkorn ’21
Development Services Manager
After living in Center, ND for a year and commuting to Bravera Bank in Mandan for work, Tess and her husband Levi returned to Jamestown in May 2022, leading Tess to her new position as the Development Services Manager.
“It is exciting to be back ‘home,’” she explained. “The University of Jamestown and the Jamestown community have been very welcoming, and I am excited to continue building friendships and relationships with past and future Jimmies!”
Tess grew up near Spiritwood Lake and attended Barnes County North through high school. She made her way to UJ in 2017, spending her freshman year on the basketball court. Tess earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with concentrations in Management & Marketing, as well as a Minor in Information Technology in 2021.
When she’s not spending time at the lake with family and friends (and her lovable cat Jack), you can find her enjoying a good book and logging miles on a run.
