Milligan is seeking to enhance spiritual opportunities in the residence halls during the upcoming school year. The current plan is to have 12 resident chaplain positions, one for each floor of every dorm. The resident chaplain will have a priority room assignment although no monetary compensation is provided for those holding this position.
They will work with Nathan Flora, campus minister, to provide spiritual guidance for other students by leading Bible studies, mentoring and prayer. Responsibilities include attending training sessions, hosting a weekly gathering for students in their sections and participating in campus ministry team events. The resident chaplains of each dorm will work together to plan a service project for the dorm each semester.
Director of Student life and Hart Hall Resident Director Danielle Booth said, “It is a great advantage anytime different aspects of our campus can come together and be more cohesive. I think another good aspect of resident chaplains is it provides an opportunity for people to try out leadership in another capacity. Resident chaplains can provide assistance to [resident assistants] who cannot meet every need a resident might have.”
Money received from the Lilly grant is funding these positions.
This grant helps to fund Christian organizations and takes a special interest in “helping students think theologically about their vocational choice,” said Flora. Although the position of resident chaplain is unpaid, the grant money will be used towards curriculum or food for meetings. Each chaplain is responsible for keeping records of all funds he or she uses.
“Milligan is a place that takes very seriously its call to nurture Christian lives. This will help us to further structure that in the residence halls,” said Flora. He estimates that he has given out 30-40 applications for 12 positions.
Freshman Josh Kaminsky said he is applying for the position “to help people in their walk with Christ. Some people might need mentoring or people to turn to.”
Another applicant, sophomore Melissa McGovern, said, “I just see the resident chaplain position as an opportunity to further the community of Milligan and to be able to bring my sisters in Christ together and to be able to form a better network for prayer, accountability and meeting people’s needs.”
Applicants will be selected by the end of this week by Flora with possible help from a small committee.