Spiritual development for students, faculty and staff is an important part of the Olivet experience. Chaplain Mark Holcomb ’81/D.D. ’18, takes leadership for providing many of the elements to make that possible. Each year, he invites top Christian speakers and preachers to present messages during chapel services. And each year, God challenges and inspires all who come to listen.
“The way we do life together at Olivet is important,” Chaplain Holcomb says. “The language we use is important. With God’s help, we are the ones who create the culture we live in.”
Speakers scheduled for the spring 2019 chapels at Olivet are:
• Dr. John C. Bowling, University president
• Melissa Ohden, founder of The Abortion Survivors Network
• Dr. Karen Ball, music professor emeritus, School of Music at Olivet
• Rev. Richard Farmer, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia
• Rev. Paul Johnson ’00, GatheringPoint Church, Bourbonnais, Illinois
• Matt Smith, director of recreation services at Olivet
• LaMorris Crawford ’06/’12 M.O.L., chaplain of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals
• Dr. Neal Woodruff, music professor, School of Music at Olivet
• Eric Samuel Timm, orator, author, artist, visionary
• Dr. Daisey Dowell, pediatrician and clinical director of Homan Square location, Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago
• Rev. Davey Blackburn, pastor and author
• Sam Acho, linebacker for NFL’s Chicago Bears
• Merideth (Densford) Spriggs ’00, chief kindness officer and founder of Caridad, Inc.
• Curtis Zachery, author and motivational speaker
• Jessica K. Haas and Tyson Dodd ’12/’14 M.A., first female speed painter and worship pastor/musician
When the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel and the Crawford Auditorium were constructed and dedicated in 2010, the primary focus was on bringing the Olivet community together in one place for worship and spiritual growth. Twice each week, from August through May, chapel gatherings add significant meaning to campus life. In that setting, many have accepted Christ and committed or recommitted to serve Him.
Enjoy a video review of the 2017–2018 chapel speakers here.
Published: 1/11/2019
