Campbellsville University celebrates grand opening of Center for Faith and Ministry

By Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – During his sermon of dedication for Campbellsville University’s new Center for Faith and Ministry, Dr. Robert Smith told a story of New Zealand mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary, who hiked to the peak of Mount Everest in 1953.

And, upon reaching the mountain’s 29,032-foot peak, the tallest in the world, Hillary buried a crucifix into the ground.

“It was a symbol saying in essence Christ is above all,” Smith said in CU’s Ransdell Chapel recently.

Smith, a noted speaker and Professor of Preaching at Beeson Divinity School, told the crowd in Ransdell Chapel, “When we get our Christology right and understand who Jesus is and what the center of faith and ministry is all about, it makes all the difference in the world.”

CU’s Center for Faith and Ministry has been established to serve as a dedicated space for spiritual engagement, learning and outreach. The Center aims to provide a welcoming environment where individuals can come together to explore, nurture, and deepen their spiritual journeys.

The Center will mentor faculty, staff, and students to integrate faith into their daily and professional lives.

Smith noted everyone is called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of their job.

Smith emphasized, “You don’t really have a job if you’re a Christian. You’re an undercover agent for Christ. You’ve got a ministry to represent Christ wherever you may go, because none of us can go everywhere, but all of us can go anywhere and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus Christ, Smith proclaimed, is “supreme to the point He’s above all thrones.”

“I don’t care if it’s a czar, if it’s a president, if it’s a monarch, if it’s some kind of prime minister, He’s above all thrones,” Smith stated. “He’s above all authorities, He’s above all rulers, He’s above all powers, and everybody will have to bow to Him one of these days. Every knee is going to bow, and every tongue is going to confess.”

Smith encouraged the audience to “continue in their faith and be firm in the hope of the Gospel.”

“Every one of us, we are being pulled from left to right, but there’s nothing better than Jesus.”

Smith explained that God has created a God-sized hole in each person, and nothing can fill that hole except God.

“You’ll get a temporary buzz and relief from some other things, but it won’t last,” Smith said. “But Christ lasts from the womb to the tomb.”

Dr. Twyla Hernandez, who was announced as the Center for Faith and Ministry Director, said the Center for Faith and Ministry seeks to become a beacon for spiritual growth and collaboration within Campbellsville University and beyond.

“So whether you’re a student seeking spiritual growth, a faculty member committed to our Christian mission or a member of a local church eager to engage in ministry, we extend a warm welcome to you. We would love for you to join us on this exciting journey,” Hernandez said.

CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins noted Hernandez, who will continue to serve as professor of Christian missions, is strongly qualified to serve as the Center’s director. In numerous conversations regarding who would lead the center, Hopkins explained Hernandez’ name was mentioned time and time again.

“We are grateful, because you talk about vision, and Twyla Hernandez has descended upon this with a vision that only God could have planted in her heart,” Hopkins noted, “and we are so grateful for the leadership she’s already given to this, for the heartbeat that she’s already given to this and for the strength that she’s already giving to ministries across our campus and beyond through her work here.”

In welcoming everyone to the Service of Dedication, Dr. Donna Hedgepath, CU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the dedication of the Center for Faith and Ministry is a “monumental day” for CU.

“Faith, ministry and servant leadership is what we do and to package it into a Center that is going to equip us to reach more and more people not only in our community but globally, it’s just a wonderful thing, and we’re so blessed to have the resources provided by many of you here today.”

  Dr. Benji Kelly, CU’s vice president for advancement, reported that more than $530,000 has been donated toward the Center for Faith and Ministry since fundraising efforts began a year ago.

“We got to give the Lord a hand for that, not only allowing us to do program support but as I mentioned the endowment. This Center will be here long after you and I are no longer here because of this endowment. God is so good, and he is blessing Campbellsville University.”

Kelly thanked those who have donated to support the Center for Faith and Ministry, telling them, “You’re allowing our students to find their calling, but not only that, but fulfill their calling as well.”

Campbellsville Mayor Dennis Benningfield and Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith jointly presented a proclamation declaring Friday, April 12, 2024, as Dr. James E. Jones Day in Campbellsville and Taylor County, “in recognition of his many contributions, achievements, and Christian servant leadership.”

Jones serves as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Campbellsville and as a member of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees.

Jones also received the Campbellsville University Leadership Award during the Service of Dedication. Stan Curry and Rev. Joel Carwile, both CU Board of Trustee members, and Hopkins presented the Award to Jones.

The Award was presented to Jones “for his lifelong service as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in recognition of his many achievements and leadership in civic, community, and denominational life, in appreciation for his servant leadership and support of Christian higher education, and for his exemplary love of his faith, family, and community.”

The Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the Center for Faith and Ministry and a groundbreaking for the Dr. James E. and Martha Bell Jones Prayer Garden, located next to the Center for Faith and Ministry’s offices.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Dr. Jones reflected on the love and support he received from his late wife and said that love and support “kept him going to this day.”

Hernandez said at the groundbreaking, “Dr. Jones has preached that Good News for many years and has been a blessing to our community and to the university. No one is more deserving of this honor than Dr. James Jones and his beloved late wife, Martha Bell Jones.”

A dogwood tree was planted at the groundbreaking because of its “Christian symbolism,” according to Hernandez.

“Its flower is made of 4 petals forming a cross, the middle symbolizes the crown of thorns, and the red dots on the leaves relate to the blood Jesus shed for forgiveness of sin. The fact that it blooms around Easter each year is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for all of us.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.