Chapel Information
Chapel is an important part of student life at ETBU and is a required element for all undergraduate students. While students need to earn chapel credit for 3 of the 4 years on campus, the hope is that all students, faculty, and staff will take advantage of the opportunity to nourish the spirit with other members of the ETBU community.
Students need to attend at least 75% of the chapel sessions in order to receive credit for the semester. Students are required to maintain a valid, scannable ID card so that attendance may be recorded. Students will not receive credit for Chapel attendance if they do not have their ID card. Also, students arriving to Chapel after the doors have closed will not receive credit for attending.
At the conclusion of chapel, students must scan their ID at one of the scanners in order to receive credit for your attendance. The scanner will display a green light if the card is accepted. If a red light is displayed, you will need to report the problem. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his or her card has scanned correctly.
Chapel programs are designed to nurture our spirit as individuals and as members of the ETBU community. As followers of Christ we recognize the privilege to gather for corporate worship: to express to God our dependence and praise, to hear and respond to the Word of God, and to grow in our understanding of the Christian faith. The discipline of regularly convening as a community strengthens our Christian walk both corporately and as individuals.
When and where do Chapel services take place?
Chapel services are usually held in the Baker Auditorium every Monday and Wednesday that classes are in session, from 10:00 until 10:45. Our services are a mix of contemporary and traditional in format. Special evening chapel services are held on occasion each semester. See the Chapel Schedule for meeting dates and speakers.
How does Chapel accommodate different worship styles?
Services display characteristics of contemporary evangelicalism, but they will also reflect the rich heritage of the church over the past two millennia. Chapel services also affirm the diversity within the body of Christ as is evident within our members and across the globe. Through our programs students discover much about the nature and challenges of global Christianity, including the vitality and character of churches in several regions of the world.
What about Sunday worship?
While ETBU sponsors Chapel services during the week, participation in Chapel should not replace attendance and involvement in a church. Students are strongly encouraged to find a local church where they can worship and contribute regularly.
How can I get the most out of Chapel?
- Come with an open mind and heart.
- Be respectful. Chapel services should be approached in a spirit of reverence. Bringing food or drink into the building, doing homework during the services or talking while others are speaking or singing is disrespectful. We ask you, out of reverence for God and respect for others, to avoid such disruptions.
- Be a good host. ETBU often welcomes guest speakers that have never visited campus before. As an ETBU student, it is important that you participate in chapel in an appropriate manner so that our guests feel and sense your hospitality.
- Remember that each student may not connect with each chapel speaker, but remain quiet in the hopes that your neighbor is engaged.
For more information on requirements and procedures, or to check chapel absences, please stop by the Spiritual Development Office in the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center or contact us at (903)923-2173.