16 A DIFFERENT TUNE As a part of the daily lives of students, chapel received multiple changes at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester. President Mike Williams kept the opinions of the students in mind when considering the future of chapel. Change was brought to the daily order of chapel, aesthetic aspects were added, and plans were made for further changes to be added in the spring semester. “The motivation for change in chapel comes from an intentionality to communicate with, and for, our students,” Logan Light, dean of student life and chapel services, said. “We’re still wanting to gather together to worship every day and to be together. That shared experience is still paramount to, I think, the Harding experience, but [we’re] being very intentional about making sure that it’s for students.” A think tank was created to brainstorm and implement the changes to chapel. The group was made of student representatives from different backgrounds in order to accurately represent campus thought. “The one change that I love the most is the fact that Dr. Williams and Dean Light, and just the university as a whole, are actually wanting to listen to students,” senior Levi Huddleston said. “They actually want to engage students, and they want to make chapel a place for students.” Based on student feedback, an emphasis was placed on praise and worship. With the addition of a worship team, praise and worship chapels were scheduled to occur twice a week. LED screens were used to contribute to the praise and worship chapels and offer opportunities for multimedia programs. Announcements were limited to twice a week, giving more time for songs and devotionals. Additionally, breakout chapels were created. “I love just the singing days,” sophomore Ann-Clayton Beason said. “I think that gets everyone more involved, and my friends and I have really been enjoying it.” Beyond the more visible changes implemented, the length of chapel also received some attention. Williams discussed how getting out even five minutes earlier could make a difference. “People are sitting around talking a lot and I just think that builds a sense of culture and family here too,” The University provides students with a new chapel experience. KEY CHANGE Senior Dawson Teague leads singing during the first week of school. Though the look of chapel changed throughout the history of Harding, worshipping together through song was consistent. Photo courtesy of: Jeff Montgomery Williams said. “Some days we’ll have a speaker, and we’ll want them to take the whole time, but we’re gonna try as best we can to end on time if not a few minutes early.” Whether through leading a chapel service, submitting a video or singing from one’s seat, both Light and Williams wanted chapel to be for and about the students, offering them an opportunity to participate and interact, rather than simply be spoken at. “When a lady who’s worked in the balcony for 25 years comes down with tears in her eyes and says, ‘You know, I’ve never seen the students in the balcony sing like they’re singing right now,’ that’s exciting.” Williams said. Written by: Grace Hurt singing
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