The Rev. Gregory Dyson assumed the campus pastor position July 15, 2023.
On June 12, President Michael Lindsay announced Dyson’s expanded role. As vice president for spiritual life & intercultural leadership, and campus pastor, he will continue to perform the responsibilities of his previous and new position. His new role includes oversight of both the campus’ intercultural and spiritual needs.
“I’m super excited for this role,” Dyson said. “I also love that more of my time and life will be focused more directly with the student body.”
Jon Cavanagh, former campus pastor, told the Taylor community in the spring that he planned to step down. When the position opened, various students and faculty members asked Dyson if he was praying about applying.
Since he was a pastor for 35 years, this type of role seemed to suit Dyson and his experience well. However, he loved his position as director of intercultural initiatives.
He responded to these questions, saying, “No, no I am not.”
But those questions spurred Dyson to reflect on how God wired him. Dyson realized that God created him with the inclination to preach, teach, unify and solve problems.
Dyson had always wanted to be in a place where he’s surrounded by people who are different. Taylor was that place — a place where men and women united in their different phases of life. And that, Dyson said, was something hard not to be excited about, so he applied for the campus pastor position.
“And now we’re just counting down the days,” Dyson said. “We’re just getting ready for what God’s going to do.”
Even though Dyson assumes the responsibilities of both his old and new roles, Taylor University is continuing to search for a director of intercultural initiatives.The director of intercultural initiatives recruits students by working through the programs Taylor offers for its diverse students and faculty.
Dyson came to Taylor in 2019 after working at Cedarville University, his alma mater. He served on the strategic team for the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association and founded the Lion's Den Youth Outreach Center (now the Hope For Kids Den) in Massachusetts, among other leadership roles, Lindsay said in an email to the Taylor community.
“But, as has been the custom for as long as we have had a campus pastor, we will ‘tailor’ the role to Greg’s unique strengths and experiences,” Lindsay said.
As part of their preparations, Dyson and his team have worked on scheduling quality chapel speakers for this school year.
The spiritual theme, “Greater Than” — derived from Psalm 147:3-5 — will guide chapel services throughout the fall semester.
“Take in the idea that we love and serve a God who is Greater Than,” Dyson said.
Dyson explained how God is greater than the fears, anxiety and plans that students have.
Taylor University is still in search of someone to fill the director of intercultural initiatives position. No further updates have been released.
