51 Breaking the Barrier Part of Something Bigger | Students become more involved in chapel as Mat Faulkner goes into the crowd to ask a question. These breakout chapels became a place of engagemnet, where Faulkner sought out student discussion and intgrated students with the community. Photo by Lauren Simmons Searcy mayor Mat Faulkner integrated with the Harding students as he hosted a weekly breakout chapel with Assistant Director of Community Connections Kyle Thompson. Breakout chapels resumed fall 2023 These chapels spanned acoss many topics, bringing different speakers and leaders, some from outside Harding’s campus. One of the breakout sessions involved Faulkner and Thompson welcoming different speakers from the community each week. “The intention behind this breakout chapel is to provide an opportunity to connect Harding students with community leaders and organizations who offer support services to those in need in Searcy and White County, “ Faulkner said. “These local heroes will share about their missions, who they serve, and how Harding students can engage in the effort.” Faulkner and Thompson dedicated these chapel to introducing different community leaders. This weekly hour gave the community a chance to reach out to students for help and involvement. Faulkner is equally excited for this additional element to further foster the idea that Harding students are members of the community. “I believe Harding students have so much to offer,” Faulkner said. “ What they learn by listening as well as engaging with those in the Searcy community will provide them with invaluable tools to continue to serve their own communities when they return home.” Freshman Garlit Lundy experienced the breakout chapel for the purpose of hearing what Faulkner had to say. Lundy expressed that he was grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community. “Harding’s influence stretches beyond Arkansas and to other countries, but also keeps their influence in just their own home town,” Lundy said. “ I think that’s one of the things a lot of Christians miss, they want to go and do interntional mission trips leaving their own country in shambles, but where they need help is just outside, their neighbor. That’s one of the things that “We’re after the conversations that ignite big dreams in our students’ hearts, spurring them to ponder and contemplate how they can channel their unique skills and talents to be a neighbor to those around them, no matter the stage of life,” - Kyle Thompson Harding and the mayor has realized and takes it to a personal level by helping everyone around them.” Faulkner’s and Thompson’s chapel helped students, like Lundy, see the connection Harding has with the community. Thompson organized the chapel with the intent to encourage students to become connected with the community. “We’re after the conversations that ignite big dreams in our students’ hearts, spurring them to ponder and contemplate how they can channel their unique skills and talents to be a neighbor to those around them, no matter the stage of life,” Thompson said. “But, beyond mere discussions, our hope is for students to heed that gentle nudge from the Spirit, stepping across the street to truly be a neighbor.” Thompson’s and Faulkner’s breakout chapel centered around community and developing students aspirations to be a part of the greater Searcy commuinity. Written by Emma McDaris
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