California Baptist University

PURPOSE WORSHIP The band prepares to record the music portion of Chapel.

Online Chapel Chapel staff provide virtual way to worship

O ne of the biggest contributors to California Baptist University’s spiritual community is weekly Chapel. For years, Chapel has been a way for all students to come together with friends, classmates and faculty for fellowship and worship. However, with social gathering restrictions this year, the Spiritual Life office knew Chapel could not be the standard, packed Events Center affair it once was. To adapt to the changes, the team took Chapel online and created a new system in which students can log on, watch and respond to a pre-recorded video of speakers and the worship team. Brett Vowell, director of Chapel describes the behind the scenes of planning and compares it from previous years. “We are intentionally filming our worship music sets and Chapel speakers at least two weeks prior the date in which the video is made available to students for credit,” Vowell says. “And with all of the additional elements that have been added to this online format,

it takes a very detailed timeline and well-thought structure in order for it all to work together.” Vowell further explains that even though there is a level of challenge, online Chapel provides a unique opportunity for growth. “We are working to personalize the messages and the associated written responses so that students can benefit by reflecting upon and applying what they’re learning,” Vowell says. “I know we will all welcome the day when we can gather in the Events Center once again, but I think there will be some aspects of this specialized online format that will be missed and possibly treasured.” With major changes shaping the year, the Chapel team worked to produce a way where students can interact and learn more about God, even if it’s behind a computer screen.

WORDS Hannah Siefkes

PHOTOS Alex Iannone

DESIGN Caleb Chong

37 Chapel

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