The Personal Touch

Published: December 13, 2023

Author: Julia Roat-Abla

Student chaplains strengthen spiritual formation on campus

Helping students conform to the image of Christ empowers them for lives of character and service once they leave. Reverend Elliott Renfroe, Reverend Keli Pennington, and a newly formed group of student chaplains lead the way for spiritual formation on campus, not just through programming, but through relationship-building.

Fully immersed in the life of the GU community, this year’s student chaplains have the unique opportunity to minister to their peers. GU Chaplain Keli Pennington cites their compassion and deep care for discipling others: “It’s a blessing to be able to empower them to lead in ways that connect with their God-given gifts and passions.” Pictured left to right: Nick Christ, Olivia Antonacci, Talahiva “Hiva” Talanoa, Keli Pennington.

Renfroe leads the team. The former Free Methodist pastor has experience discipling in urban and multicultural ministries. Pennington, now in her second year as campus chaplain, envisioned adding student chaplains to the team.

Relational discipleship is key. The team practices skills like reflective listening and offering spiritual counsel and care. The student chaplains learn how to walk alongside their peers, encouraging them, praying, and reminding others of Christ’s presence. Pennington says the students resonate with their peers, “who are looking for someone who will ‘be with’ rather than ‘preach to’ them.”

Elliott Renfroe, GU's new dean of students and chief diversity officer, offers students a perspective on spiritual formation that’s been 30 years in the making. Simply put, disciples make disciples through relationships. They show to others what God has shown them. Elliott covets your prayers for students’ spiritual formation this school year.

Renfroe asserts that the entire GU community— faculty, coaches, students, and staff—plays a role in relational discipleship. “This is a collaborative effort.”

The team serves the GU community through an expanding menu of spiritual development opportunities. Thirty different small groups meet each week, in addition to GU’s weekly all-campus gathering, The Wednesday Experience (TWE). Students participate in Vespers and Encounter services, and gather around the breakfast table on Friday mornings, a Community Café where conversations surrounding the week’s TWE message continue.

GU’s spiritual formation team can’t think of anything more rewarding than helping students know and become more like Jesus and walking alongside them as they do.

Published from Fall 2023 The RECORD RISE UP: A Vision for GU.