{"id":37140,"date":"2018-03-01T11:46:26","date_gmt":"2018-03-01T16:46:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=37140"},"modified":"2018-05-21T13:54:51","modified_gmt":"2018-05-21T17:54:51","slug":"a-meditation-on-vocation-academic-departments-host-chapel-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2018\/a-meditation-on-vocation-academic-departments-host-chapel-services\/","title":{"rendered":"A meditation on vocation: academic departments host chapel services"},"content":{"rendered":"

Professor Ryan Thompson<\/a> is a former Christian Church youth pastor who began a master\u2019s degree in counseling at Richmont Graduate University, affiliated with the evangelical church, and then finished his master\u2019s degree and a doctorate in psychology at George Fox University, an institution with Quaker roots.<\/p>\n

Now at Eastern Mennonite University, he recognizes a rooted affinity to Anabaptist teachings, \u201cwhich I\u2019ve come to realize I\u2019ve followed for longer than I knew it existed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ben Bailey, administrative assistant for the Department of Applied Social Sciences, talks with junior peace and development major Noah Haglund during chapel in Common Grounds coffeehouse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thompson shared how his work and faith are deeply intertwined during a special chapel service last week jointly hosted by EMU\u2019s STEM academic departments. Around campus, at the same time, other departments hosted special, unique chapel gatherings.<\/p>\n

Just as his immersion in various \u201cdenominational streams has shaped my relationship with Christ and made it more full,\u201d Thompson told the gathered, \u201clikewise, the science and art of psychology has contributed to my understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God. My faith informs my work. My work informs my faith. I don\u2019t know any other way to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thompson\u2019s words were encouraging to psychology major Lydia Musselman. \u201cHearing a professor’s personal story and reflection opens doors to conversation and deeper relationship, and gives hope to those struggling with our faith journey,\u201d she said. \u201cConnections and growth make sense in reflection. It was good to be reminded of that truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

EMU\u2019s professors tend to be \u201cdown to earth and open people, but there\u2019s a clear difference between a classroom and a chapel,\u201d said junior English and writing major Josh Holsapple, who attended the Language and Literature Department gathering. \u201cHaving that extra layer of chapel is important.\u201d<\/p>\n