Faith, learning... and mustard?

Think about a high point in your life. Chances are that event or phase was a result of ideal conditions that coalesced at just the right time. In the life of Campbell University, its new service learning program is one of those rare, magical advents that has the opportunity to take advantage of perfect conditions for growth.

In case you hadn't noticed, this isn't an educational post like the first two, but you should keep reading anyway. I'm going to tell you how Campbell is the perfect institution for service learning to take seed and flourish. More importantly, hopefully my handy dandy list will further persuade you to shout from the rooftops and write happy jingles about the service learning program and the impact it will make on the community.

1. Service is nothing new at Campbell. Ask around and you'll find out about clubs, departments, and individual students who have endeavored and succeeded in applying their studies to serving and changing the community. We like service so much it's in the mission statement.

2. Service learning at Campbell is organic. It wasn't a demand from someone in a tailored suit. It's been a hopeful whisper over the last few years, but now we're preaching it for all to hear. It's a centralized effort executed by the students and faculty with leadership by the students and faculty.

3. Campbell is a liberal arts institution. That doesn't mean we paint and vote for Democrats all day. It means Campbell wants students to receive a holistic education that includes knowledge outside the classroom, including how to use a moral and ethical compass.

4. Campbell is a faith-based institution. If you speak Christian-ese, you know exactly what this part means. If you haven't picked up the slang of the Christian sub-culture, No. 4 means Campbell's goals are motivated by spiritual endeavors. For example, following Jesus' many challenges to serve others.

Those are just the most obvious beneficial conditions that come to mind. Others include willing students, selfless faculty, and a culture of inward and outward change.

I pray we can plant our mustard seed successfuly and patiently watch the mustard tree grow in beauty and grace.