2 minute read
Faith and service
A bridge between service and faith
So says Kaiya Jennings, Wesleyan’s faith and service coordinator, a new position that is part of both the Lane Center for Service and Leadership and our campus ministries program. In her position, Kaiya is tasked with bringing together two essential elements of the Wesleyan College experience by overseeing service initiatives and faith-based programming.
Kaiya sees her top priority as promoting the well-being of Wesleyan’s students and seeks to find ways to cultivate inclusive experiences that focus on community service and spiritual formation.
“I believe that my role is the bridge between service and faith. I want to help our students understand that service is not only a human responsibility but a divine duty. For me, faith informs how we live and service is what drives us to our various destinations. I also feel called to be that listening ear for students trying to navigate the murky waters of life.”
Kaiya feels a responsibility not only to help students develop their personal faith but also gain an understanding of their personal calling as they explore life after Wesleyan.
A bridge between service and faith
Since her arrival in January, Kaiya has wasted no time in getting involved with the campus community and getting to know students, staff, and faculty along the way. WOW! A Day, Community Table, the International Women’s Day Festival, and Community Prayer Hour are just a few of the activities that she has helped execute since her arrival. Her goal for next year is to have more inclusive spaces for spiritual development. Kaiya is working with Dr. Tyler Schwaller, Wesleyan’s chaplain, and Melissa Rodriguez, director of the Lane Center, to develop programming for the 2021-2022 school year. Plans include establishing a speaker series to facilitate meaningful conversations with scholars, activists, and community leaders. Kaiya also hopes to provide more opportunities for our students to serve the Macon area with new and existing community partners.
While Kaiya has been in Macon for only a few months, she already sees the College as a special place, saying she is reminded of the old adage “Good things come in small packages.” She has been struck by the warmth of students, faculty, and staff. “To be a part of such magic is why I love coming to work every day!”
Kaiya will soon complete her Doctorate of Ministry degree from Duke University. She is the recipient of this year’s Duke University Chapel’s C. Eric Lincoln Theology and Arts fellowship and will present an exhibition of audio recordings and photography documenting the testimonies of Black women pastors. Kaiya holds a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Boston University and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University. She graduated from Virginia State University with a degree in psychology.
