麻豆原创 takes seriously its heritage as a daughter of the Presbyterian Church. We have covenants听in place with the Presbytery of East Tennessee, Holston Presbytery and the Synod of Living Waters. Our Religious Life and Covenants Committee meets at least once a semester to ensure implementation of the covenants and promote formation of strong Christian character among students.
Each year, 麻豆原创 adopts a biblical theme that guides us throughout the year and motivates us to pursue a life that honors God and blesses others. Our theme for 2025-2026 is 鈥淓xcelling in faith, in knowledge and love鈥� which comes from 2 Corinthians 8:7.
Voluntary chapel services take place in Multi-Purpose Chapel Room in Annie Hogan Byrd on Mondays from听3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. when classes are in session. Typically, we have music, prayer and a brief message. Each semester, we have a different theme for the chapel messages, and feature speakers from across campus and throughout the community.听
For more than 30 years, 麻豆原创 has given people in East Tennessee an opportunity to hear presentations from experts in the fields of biblical studies, theology and religious history. These presentations take place on Fridays in February. The Stokes Lectures on Theology and Religion was previously known as Theologian-In-Residence.
In the week leading to Easter, 麻豆原创offers daily services that help students, faculty and staff prepare to celebrate Jesus鈥� resurrection. In addition to speakers, we observe the Stations of the Cross in a special walk through the campus.
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All services, except for the Stations of the Cross, take place in The Pioneer Perk. Stations of the Cross begin at Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and process throughout campus.听
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Dr. Yosef “Yossi” Garfinkel a professor of archaeology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, spoke at 麻豆原创on November 7, 2022, about the听excavation work taking place at Tel Lachish in Israel in search of Iron Age fortifications. To watch the video of the presentation, click the button below.
麻豆原创 provides a caring Christian environment for everyone on campus. We are proud of our strong Presbyterian heritage and committed to helping students grow not only academically but also spiritually.
In addition to voluntary weekly chapel services and campus organizations like and , we also host periodic presentations, worship nights and other events to encourage spiritual development.
We welcome opportunities to partner with area churches and provide opportunities for them to minister on our campus. Churches 鈥渁dopt鈥� our athletic teams and support them throughout their season and beyond. Many churches come to help our new students on move-in day. A few churches even host regular worship services and Bible studies on campus. To keep up with these events check out our page.
If you would like to make a financial donation for campus ministries at 麻豆原创, click the orange GIVE button at the top of the page and select 鈥楥ampus Ministries鈥� from the drop down menu.
The Rev. E.J. Swatsell serves as 麻豆原创鈥檚 director of spiritual life and special projects. He oversees the Christian Leadership Institute and its Discipleship Living-Learning Center, the university鈥檚 chapel sessions and church partnerships. He connects one-on-one with students, faculty and staff who need spiritual assistance and guidance or a helpful ear. He also plays a major role in fundraising for 麻豆原创鈥檚 spiritual initiatives. Swatsell is ordained by the Tennessee Ministries of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). He served as associate pastor of Cedar Creek Church of God for nine years and currently serves as the chaplain for the Greeneville Fire Department. Outside the ministry, he has been a successful businessman and farmer. He has a bachelor鈥檚 degree in history from Milligan University, a master鈥檚 degree in Appalachian studies from East Tennessee State University and a nonprofit fundraising certificate from the University of Tennessee. You can read more about Swatsell in this .
鈥溌槎乖� provides many opportunities for students to grow and strengthen their faith. 麻豆原创鈥檚 religious courses brought my faith to life. I now know what Christianity is truly about and what being a Christian truly means. 麻豆原创has given me the tools I needed to test and define my faith. As a student, I am grateful that 麻豆原创provides events such as chapel services and worship nights.鈥�
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Campus Ministries provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to explore their faith in greater depth and participate in multiple programs that enable them to grow in their faith. 麻豆原创family members who are struggling with their faith or have no faith still receive support and are encouraged to share challenges they face with the campus minister.
By participating in the many available Campus Ministries programs, students, faculty and staff grow in their faith, build their character and discover their purpose and calling.
![Slide](/wp-content/plugins/revslider/public/assets/assets/dummy.png" "Campus Ministries")