Holcomb to "facilitate and encourage spiritual growth" as new Olivet chaplain

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Mark Holcomb, president of the Global Nazarene Youth International Council and an assistant professor at Olivet Nazarene University, has been appointed the school's new chaplain.

University President John C. Bowling says that Holcomb, who has served as chapel host for the past five months, was a natural fit for the position. "Mark Holcomb's entire ministry has been centered on young people, and he is recognized internationally for his gifts and passion for college students."

According to the official job description, as university chaplain, Holcomb will "facilitate and encourage the spiritual growth of Olivet Nazarene University students by creatively planning, implementing, and promoting a coordinated spiritual development program that includes relevant chapel services, dynamic discipleship programs, inspiring missions/service opportunities, and compassionate pastoral care."

"Going forward," said Bowling, "I envision the work of the chaplain to include an increased emphasis on spiritual development and small group ministries. I think Mark and the fine team in the chaplain's office will be able to significantly enhance this part of our ministry."

Holcomb says that he is "humbled and honored" to serve as university chaplain. "I look forward to the relational ministry and mentoring aspect of the position. It's going to involve developing spiritual leaders on our campus at a variety of levels and places, and I'll really like that. This isn't a one-person job; it will take all of us working together to see this happen." 
 
A life-long youth ministry leader, Holcomb served as a full-time youth pastor for 20 years before joining the Olivet faculty in 2004. During that time, he led youth in Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. In 2002, Holcomb received the Timothy Award, an award established by the NYI General Council to recognize outstanding leadership and service to youth.

This past summer, Holcomb was elected president of the global Nazarene Youth International Council, on which he had served since 1999, during the 27th General Assembly and Conventions of the Church of the Nazarene, in Orlando, Florida.

Holcomb sees his work as an extension of Olivet's mission. "Our mission includes the development of the whole person; academically, socially, and spiritually. We are called to create Christ-like disciples, and prepare them for lives of service in our world."

Both Holcomb and his wife of 28 years, Terry, are Olivet graduates; they have two daughters, Kristen Sanders and Kelli Bowman, who are ONU alumni; and both daughters are married to Olivet alumni. 
--Olivet Nazarene University
 

 

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