OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN
“FOREVER CHRISTIAN, ALWAYS WELCOMING”
Berry’s Emphasis on educating the “head, heart, and hands” is more than a slogan. It is a mission that defines who we are. The Chaplain’s Office has the primary responsibility for setting the religious tone on campus and assuring that we are educating “the heart” toward spiritually-formed wisdom and maturity.
Our main areas of responsibility include:
- Ministering to the needs of the whole campus
- Providing opportunities for Christian growth
- Spiritual counseling and referral
- Supporting all Religion-in-Life student groups
- Helping students find local faith communities to connect with
- Working with the Interfaith Center to promote understanding of other religious tradition
Our Historic Christian Identity
Berry was founded upon a commitment to Christian belief and practice. Over 100 years later, this continued commitment is expressed in the phrase “Forever Christian in spirit.” Each week, approximately 40 religion-in-life activities occur on campus, including opportunities for Christian worship, Bible study, fellowship and more. Berry is shaped by an interdenominational, ecumenical approach to Christian faith and values. We welcome people from diverse religious traditions, and we are committed to helping students from different backgrounds find ways to express their faith.
Promoting Opportunity
We offer many opportunities to explore and express your faith. There is on-campus worship, concerts, guest speakers, Bible Studies, book discussions, special events and several student fellowship groups. These groups are coordinated through the Religion-in-Life Advisory Council. Through the Care Network, our office seeks to provide spiritual direction, encouragement and care to the entire Berry community.
The opportunities for spiritual growth are everywhere!
One great opportunity for Worship, Nurture, and Service is Mount Berry Church. This is our college wide, inter-denominational, Christian worship service which is held each Sunday evening in our College Chapel. Visit us at: www.mountberrychurch.com
The Interfaith Council, which partners with the Chaplain’s Office, provides many opportunities to learn about different faith traditions. Visit us at: www.berry.edu/service/religion-in-life/interfaith
The Chaplain’s Office also hosts the LUMEN Lecture Series. This is a series of academic lectures featuring noted scholars from across the U.S. who speak to our community on topics related to Faith and Life.
Leadership
Rev.
Jonathan Huggins, Ph.D. serves as the College Chaplain and Pastor of Mount Berry
Church. He is also an Adjunct Instructor of Religion at Berry College. He has
been married to Lisa (Berry '00) since 2001. They have 2 daughters - Abigail and
Ava, and 1 son, Jonathan Jr. He received his academic and ministerial training
at Shorter College (B.S.), Wheaton College Graduate School (M.A.), Reformed
Theological Seminary (M.A.R), and the University of Stellenbosch (Ph.D.). Dr.
Huggins is ordained in the Anglican Church in North
America.
If you have any questions, please contact him at:
jhuggins@berry.edu
706-378-2878- office
706-254-2556- mobile
