Written by Watkins Kelly // Photo by Madison Meyer
The College of Bible and Ministry made many changes to the Leadership and Ministry major in fall 2022, including new leadership.
After Dr. Andrew Baker was appointed as the president of the National Christian Schools Association, associate professor of Bible and Ministry Dr. Mac Sandlin assumed the role as director of the program.
In addition, the program will officially be renamed to Theological Studies in fall 2023. The new name is meant to better reflect the courses offered, which expanded on what was established under the name Leadership and Ministry.
Leadership and Ministry is only offered as a second major, but within the major multiple tracks are offered. Students have the opportunity to study ministry and service, scripture and interpretation, philosophy and ethics, Christian doctrine or an individualized custom track. Sandlin said students within the program will leave feeling prepared for kingdom service in whatever field they are primarily pursuing.
“It’s a sort of identity formation that the students think of themselves as someone who has been tried for more robust forms of discipleship,” Sandlin said. “They see themselves as better equipped to follow Christ in the particular settings which they find themselves in.”
The program also plans to hold more events for students within the major to connect with each other such as devotionals, discussion groups and service projects.
Meagan Justus, event coordinator and office manager for the College of Bible and Ministry and Church Connections, worked closely with Sandlin as they implemented changes to the program. Both served as points of contact for potential and existing Leadership and Ministry majors.
“One of the things I think is really important is that the students know each other and feel like they’re part of a community,” Justus said. “And we also hope they know us, so they feel more mentored.”
Justus also emphasized the importance of making the students feel heard and offering opportunities that suited their interests. Senior Ann Marie Diamond said having clear points of contact like Justus made the students feel more excited about the changes.
“Mac [Sandlin] and Meagan [Justus] have already made such an effort through the transition to be an active part of guiding the students through it,” Diamond said. “Their willingness to have conversations about the changes that are happening has been very helpful and encouraging.”
Sandlin said he hoped these changes would cause growth in the major, not necessarily for the sake of the major, but rather to positively affect the Kingdom.
“More and more students come to Harding with less and less church background, so a lot of people are discovering faith while they’re here,” Sandlin said. “We want to say for those who see this as something they desire, or those who find themselves called by God to do more with their faith than they expected: This major is a way of getting that done.”
