The Gathering
By Carlson Wakefield
January 15, 2025
Every Sunday night, students join together in the Cathedral of the Ozarks for a unique worship experience known as The Gathering. Unlike the Tuesday and Thursday chapels, where students hear from JBU faculty, staff and university guests, The Gathering is entirely student-led.
With the help of University Chaplain Keith Jagger, Ph.D., and Director of Worship Arts Connor Young ’17, students plan every detail, from music to prayer to message, crafting an intimate atmosphere that draws students in.
“There’s an expectation now about that space that it feels different than Tuesday and Thursday, and that’s very purposeful,” said Young, who guides the students through setup and rehearsals.
The Gathering intentionally creates a worship experience that feels welcoming to each student, regardless of denomination.
“Because we’re interdenominational, we’re hoping that students feel something familiar in one of the three services each week — something that feels like home,” Young explained.
For many students, The Gathering is a chance to connect more deeply with their faith and community. Yamil Tenorio, a senior who spoke this semester, used The Gathering to share his experiences and struggles as a student.
“There were a lot of things I dealt with that I knew a lot of students would have something in common with,” Tenorio said. “Having your peers, possible mentors and friends all together, it’s powerful.”
The intimate, student-led setting often fosters authentic student vulnerability, which can lead to profound impact.
“It is one of my favorite things as chaplain, to help the senior students prepare their messages,” Jagger said. “Then we stand back and beam with joy, praying over the service and receive the work of God on our lives through these students.”
The Gathering offers more than a worship service as students arrive at the Cathedral each Sunday night. It’s a place where faith and friendship meet, building a supportive community that encourages spiritual growth.
The Gathering has become a place of safety and refuge for students on the JBU campus — a safe space where their peers and professors worship together.
“Students talk about how worship at The Gathering has helped them through their most difficult moments as an emerging adult,” Jagger said. “Studies show that worship deeply impacts students on college campuses. It’s so powerful to watch students grow in faith as they see student leaders express their faith on stage.”
