The deans at both Thatcher and Talge Halls decided to reevaluate the entire worship program, as Southern’s worships hadn’t seen change in the last 20 years.
The new changes include no music, only one worship credit available, worships lasting only 30 minutes and an earlier start time. These changes have already gone into effect, which began this April.
Dean Tisha Looby and Dean Kevin Pride realized that they were unhappy with the current worship layout, and so were the students. One of the more major changes to this new worship layout is that there will no longer be any music. (More changes?) Some students’ favorite part of any worship service is praise and worship and feel it should still be included.
“I don’t understand the decision for no more singing at worships,” said Megan Robertson, junior social work major. Some people get more out of sermons; I get more from music.”
But some students see it as a step in the right direction.
“No music at worships is more beneficial because we can spend more time learning and reflecting on the message that the speakers have to give, said Alaina Burrowes, junior biology major. However, having music once in a while wouldn't hurt.”
Another change to the new worship services is that there will only be one worship credit available. This is because programs will only last 30 minutes, as opposed to the usual hour-long service, with two worship credits offered.