It is hard as a college student to balance the precious time with school, studying, school, social life, and trying to fit spending time in God’s word. Going to chapel at APU three times a week helps the students attending to manage priorities and put God first.
When you want to have a strong meaningful relationship with people, you have to spend time with them because the relationship goes two ways. Having chapel in the mornings enables us to start our day right.
Most of the people coming to APU stem from many different denominations. The chapels that we go to help us to see a larger body of Christ at work by having many different speakers share about God. The diverse experiences help us see the world through the perspectives of Christians from all over the world who colored the earth with their walk with God.
Class times are blocked off for chapel so that students are able to attend to fulfill credit of going to chapel. In a sense, Tim Peck, the director of chapel programs says that chapel is a zero unit class and we should treat it that way. We cannot attend a different church to have the same credit as going to chapel because logistically it would be a nightmare. Also it would be difficult to monitor attendance. The curriculum that the campus pastors and chapel programs want to get across to the students would not be the same. For example, it isn’t the same to take a ballet class for a hip hop class. It is important to Tim Peck and the rest of the chapel program team to create a consistent rhythm of worship and discipline through repetition. God calls us to have fellowship and learn from each other and also be a disciplined follower of Christ. Chapel covers all of this.
My friend Kaylah walked up to me as I was entering the building for chapel, I had been thinking about homework, sleep, and more homework, but Kaylah and I had a big anatomy exam right after chapel so all the information that I needed to remember was occupying my mind. Then Kaylah excitedly explained to me,” this is exactly what I needed to start my day. I need me some Jesus.” It is all about the attitude that you have coming into the experience. It will make or break you. Just like Kaylah did, we should realize we should realize what a great opportunity we have to be able to go to chapel and strengthen our relationship with God.
Along with many other things, chapel helps us to take a small vacation from classes and dive into the oasis of God. To worship Him and listen to what He has to say through the speakers.
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