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Something Special
When Gary Sivewright announced his departure to students, he told them that they won him over a long time ago. Traveling to MVNU as a Youth in Missions recruiter early in his career, he said, “I love all of our Nazarene schools, but the students here seemed unaffected. They didn’t put on airs or have pretenses. There was an innocence about them that seemed to say, ‘If I know what God wants me to do, I’ll do it.’” When the opportunity came to work at MVNU, Sivewright accepted with joy.

The Role of Chaplain
With a background in youth ministry, Sivewright had a solid foundation to understand college students. “This is a crucial time in students’ lives. As a youth pastor, you’re basically setting them up for future decisions. At MVNU, those decisions are being made. To be there at that juncture of their lives is probably the most rewarding thing.”

Over the years, he has observed changes in different generations. “Twenty years ago, students felt like they had to articulate their entire life’s plan. I don’t see the same sense of urgency today,” said Sivewright. “‘Keeping my options open’ seems to be their hallmark. If they choose to do something, there’s something else they might miss—and they can’t afford to miss it.”

One thing, however, remains the same—students’ need to find themselves and to feel loved and accepted. “It’s always been that way and always will be. Preaching sermons, giving counsel and telling them they’re not the first person going through what they’re going through—it’s a great responsibility.”

Accomplishments and Challenges
When Sivewright came to MVNU, there were only two mission experiences offered every other year. “I knew a long time ago if I had anything to do with ministry, that it would involve mission trips,” he said. This spring, more than 200 students traveled to ten national and international locations. Joe Noonen, whose full-time work is dedicated to missions opportunities, was a key hire for Sivewright.

Small group experiences have also grown. Accountability is truly needed in college students’ lives. Some freshmen stay with their groups all four years. “It’s great to be able to tell parents that someone will regularly be asking their child how he/she’s doing. They’re not alone here.”

One of the biggest challenges Sivewright had to overcome in the higher education environment was the rate of change. “Everyone has to buy in to the fact that this is not just a degree-granting mill—it’s an experience. It’s more than pumping facts into students’ heads—it’s showing them how to live out what we’re teaching.” Sivewright is convinced that the ministry of Christian education is the integration of missions, ministry, service and accountability to classroom learning. “Until we see that, we’re not uniquely Christian, we’re just another school.”

Work to be Done
When asked what one quality a Campus Ministries (CM) leader must have, Sivewright thoughtfully said, “On the record—flexibility and adaptability. No one can come in to that sort of a position thinking there’s only one way to do things. Off the record—thick skin. Every senior administrator knows you’re never going to please everybody.”

Sivewright has developed both qualities in his time at MVNU, and has brought about many changes, including the creation of CM as a division, a variety of chapel choices for students, an significant increase in CM staffing and a dedicated focus on mission trips. “I love going into a situation and asking how this can be done differently—are there some things missing that we can add”?”

Sivewright’s hopes for Campus Ministries’ future include:
• Greater focus on service learning
• Growth of the accountability ministry
• Further development of Spiritual Life assistants
• Continued improvement of chapel/worship experiences.

Listening for God
Many people have asked Sivewright if he’s retiring. “I don’t know if it’s because I look old or because I’ve been here so long, but I’ve not used this word,” he said, laughing. He admitted it had been a thought that came with a heart attack in December, but it has instead brought some things into focus. “I’m not making a ‘bucket list,’ but I do have things I’d like to do before I retire. For the time being, I’d like to write, speak and travel,” he explained. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but God knows.”

"If there’s one thing I could tell the MVNU community, it would be that God is faithful. If you’re willing to take His will one day at a time, He reveals himself in surprising ways. I’d like to think that God is still teaching me that.”

Perhaps Sivewright has more in common with this generation than he thinks. He’s keeping his options open and doesn’t want to miss what God has in store.

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Thank you, Dr. Gary, for helping shape the heart of ministry in so many lives. Your story-telling prowess, hearty laughter and listening spirit have made this a better place, and us—better people.

Dr. Keith Newman will lead the search committee for a new vice president of Campus Ministries.