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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 23, 2002) — Milligan College hasnamed Nathan Flora to a full-time appointment as the college’s campus minister. Flora has already filled the position for three years in a part-time capacity while completing a master of divinity degree. He will transition to full-time status on June 1.
The transition to a full-time campus minister position is a response to student needs, explained Mark Fox, vice president for student development.
A needs assessment, student surveys, as well as the college’s recent self-study process for re-accreditation, all confirmed a desire by the students for more opportunities for spiritual development, mentoring, and counseling, explained Fox.
“Looking at our current programming and what the college is all about, and how student development fits within that, made campus ministry a priority for us,” said Fox. “We are listening to our students and responding to meet their needs within the context of our mission.”
Flora will continue to oversee a program of spiritual development for the college’s 900-plus students. This includes overseeing weekly chapel services and working with the Spiritual Life Committee and Student Government Association to implement student led programs such as spiritual renewal week, Bible studies, vespers, and discipleship groups.
“An effective campus ministry demonstrates the ability to integrate knowledge, academic disciplines, and a variety of campus personnel in discussion and worship, in order to enhance what God does during the college experience,” said Flora. “There is no better place with more potential for training Christian leaders than on the campus of a Christian college.”
Flora also provides personal counseling and assistance to students, as well as implementing seminars, retreats and worships to meet the diverse spiritual needs of the student community.
In his full-time position, Flora’s responsibilities will be expanded to include overseeing L.I.N.C. – the college’s student volunteer initiative – and summer programs, such as Bible Bowl, Christ in Youth, and miscellaneous summer camps held on the college’s campus.
Flora holds a bachelor of arts degree from Milligan and will complete a master of divinity degree from Emmanuel School of Religion in May. He has served as a ministry intern at First Christian Church, Johnson City, and Blanchard Church of Christ in Blanchard, Penn. He currently serves as a volunteer chaplain at the Johnson City Medical Center and previously at Appalachian Christian Village.
“My goal for campus ministry is to enable students to grow in the ‘grace and knowledge of Christ,’ equipping them to be supportive members of the priesthood of believers in the local congregation of Christ’s church in whatever career they choose.”
One of the college’s supporting churches, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Ky., will assist in underwriting the cost of Flora’s full-time position at Milligan, explained Milligan President Don Jeanes.
“This is a generous indication of Southeast’s support of Milligan’s ministry,” said Jeanes. “They are partnering with us in a vital way to prepare Christian leaders for society.”