Spiritual Development

New Student Chapel (PW 213)
Leaders: Bill Wolf, Lydia Emerson
This chapel group is for all new students at Johnson University. This year we’ll be diving into the theme “You Belong.”

Wild at Heart (PWB 155) (Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.)
Leader: Doug Daniel
Using the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge, this group will discuss what it means to be a man in today’s society. The goal is to grow together as we seek the Lord for strength in the present and in the future. The group is limited to 10 men. Email to join.

Topics for Women (Ridges’ house: 2313 Bell Drive)
Leaders: Beth Ridge, Emili Williams, Tori Skolosh, Kayla Senor
A group for women based on building relationships with each other while discussing relevant topics over a cup of tea or coffee.

First-Generation Chapel Group (Academic Support Center Computer Lab)
Leader: Kelly Estes
The First Gen Chapel Group will meet to discuss topics that relate to being a first-generation college student. To be considered a first-gen student is to be the first in your family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer Students (RH 155)
Leaders: Collin Brummette, Bill Wolf
This chapel group places an emphasis on fellowship and community for transfer students. In this group, we hang out, study God’s word, play games, and pray together in a relaxed environment.

Disability Awareness Group (RH 218)
Leaders: Cassidy Hooper, Ryan Dennison, Haley Livingston, Kelly Estes
In this chapel group, we will have open discussions about different disabilities in order to bring awareness to how God can work through people, no matter what.

Andy Griffith Bible Study (RHX 164)
Leader: Roy Miller
This chapel group will view an Andy Griffith episode and discuss the content through Scripture while formalizing a theme for “life application.” Join Andy, Opie, Barney, and Aunt Bee for the parables of Mayberry.

Dance Ministry (Graham Center Fitness Studio) (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.)
Leaders: Serenity Adams, Andrea Rodriguez
Dance Ministry creates a space where worship can happen through dance. We choose a topic or several topics to focus on for our devotion, and then work on a choreographed piece together. There is a lot of freedom and collaboration in choreographing to allow complete expression for each dancer. No dance experience is required as all basics will be taught throughout the year.

Creative Arts Chapel Group (EAC Underground)
Leaders: Reagan Marx, Bill Wolf
The Creative Arts Chapel Group focuses on using people’s gifts in a way that glorifies God. Having a place to promote self-expression and receive constructive feedback is important for any form of artistic mind. People can bounce ideas off each other, discuss, and share a variety of artistic expression and writing. All creative pursuits are welcome!

Harvesters (RH 216)
Leaders: Claire Altman, Brent Brewer, Sally Folden
Passionate about missions? Interested in learning about other cultures and how God is working among them? Want to use a strategic vocation to share the love of Jesus? Join this group to learn, fellowship, pray, and encourage one another.

Seeking God Together (RH Prayer Room)
Leader: Jondra Brewer
Spiritual direction is the process of becoming more attentive to God and recognizing his presence and activity in one’s life. Group spiritual direction is not a Bible study or discussion group, but a gathering of people who listen deeply to each other and assist to identify where God is at work in each of the other’s lives. Based on Alice Fryling’s book “Seeking God Together,” this group will journey together incorporating spiritual contemplative practices and group spiritual direction. Limited to juniors and seniors only. If this interests you, check it out! High commitment to the group is expected after the second meeting. Email if you have any questions.

Crossings Chapel Group (Gormans’ House: 7903 Bell Court) (Every other Thursday, 8:00-9:30 p.m.)
Leaders: Jamey and Heather Gorman
Crossings Chapel Group is for JU students who attend Crossings and want to explore the teachings in a small group setting. Beyond discussion of the sermons, this will be a space where we can walk together through our current challenges and hopes. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Due to space and COVID restrictions, there will be a limit of 12 students. Email to join.

3D Personal Finance (PW 227)
Leaders: Philip Eubanks, Rocky Christensen
Mastering personal finance goes beyond learning financial best practices. Join in this study that focuses on three important dimensions of personal finance: 1) financial skills and techniques; 2) the powerful yet subtle influence of consumer culture; 3) the role our Christian faith should play in managing our finances so we flourish as Christians in this important area of life.

Come & See (RPC 152)
Leaders: Vicky Green, Serenity Adams
This chapel group will explore what it means to be chosen by Christ as it looks at the historical and cultural aspects of life when Jesus and his disciples walked the earth. Each meeting we will watch an episode of “The Chosen” and have discussions following a devotional based on the series.

The Wit & Wisdom of Erasmus (PWB 231)
Leaders: Jason Mead, Ron Wheeler
We will read through Christian humanist and 16th century reformer Erasmus’ “Colloquies.” These are short skits or plays that will help us better understand his interesting theology, as well as his vision for reforming the Church through the “Philosophy of Christ.”

A Small Faith (Rodriguez’s House – left of the MSA building)
Leader: Rafael Rodriguez
A place of subversive exchange, where we set aside the pressure of “among all nations” and pursue faithfulness in the classroom, on the clock, in the dorm, and in the other small places of our lives.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Graham Center Rec Gym)
Leaders: Jailie Bullock, Brett Bear, Lydia Craft, Trevor Egli
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a group where athletes can come together and grow. FCA is not only a group for athletes, though. We want to invite everyone to come and be part of games, fellowship, and learning God’s word!

Students Promoting Social Unity (Multicultural Student Affairs House)
Leaders: Drew Arno, Joshua Adams, Matthew Best
SPSU is a group of individuals who are hungry to promote positive change in the “uncommon community” of Johnson. As followers of Christ, we are called to love others with intentionality. Conversations based around hard topics are geared toward educating students about what it looks like to make an active effort to fight for justice. SPSU is a safe space for all individuals to experience an environment where they can freely express themselves without judgment. Unity among the student body and community of Knoxville is the goal of this chapel group. Come as you are and buckle up for a year filled with good vibes and great conversation. If interested, email or DM on Instagram @SPSUHouse.

Honors Program: “Beowulf” (RH 255)
Leader: Gerald Mattingly
Limited to students in the Honors Program. Fall 2021’s reading and discussion for the Honors Program group will be based on key themes from “Beowulf.” Our sessions will focus on backgroud, history, religion, language, archaeology, etc. of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and will consider the Christian content of this classic tale of monsters.

Resident Assistant Group (JH-Canfield Room; BH-Student Lounge, Graham Center)
Leaders: Cana Thompson, Weldon Davis
Limited to Resident Assistants only.

Student Government Association (PWB 213) (Friday mornings at 9:00 a.m.)
Leaders: David Legg, Deborah Lane, Michael Moore, Jada Barnett
Anyone who is interested in contributing to the community of JU is invited to participate in SGA. SGA is proactive in creating a balanced atmosphere of academics, spirituality, and fun. Whether your gift is special events on campus, promoting spirituality on campus, or creating new campus initiatives, this may be the platform for you. SGA meets on Fridays so you can participate in a second small group if you choose. Questions? Email . All students are welcome.

Urban Plunge (TBD)
Leader: Kenny Woodhull
Limited to participants in the Urban Plunge Lab.