Three panelists gathered to offer insight about vocation and civic engagement on Feb. 26.
The speakers shared stories about their personal lives, their work and how faith integrated into their daily lives.
Before the panel, Philip Byers, the Halbrook chair of civic engagement, announced that moving forward, one of the few Halbrook conversations throughout the year will be renamed to the Tom Jones lectureship on civic life. This title will be given to Halbrook conversations hosted specifically by community members.
“This is a great way to showcase the unique community members of Upland and what they can offer Taylor students,” Byers said.
Although Taylor students made up most of the attending audience, the focus of the conversation was anything but Taylor-centric.
Craig Cochran, director of the counseling center, found his calling early in life as a mentor through programs like the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He found there was a need for male mentors and quickly noticed the number of mentees in the foster care program. Fast forward to today, Cochran has been a foster parent for 21 children throughout his adult life, and had adopted seven children while also having two of his own.
He began his journey not wanting to change lives but simply to spread the love and compassion Christ had shared with him, Cochran said.
“At that point, I still wasn't thinking I'd be a foster parent one day, but I think God was kind of grooming me for that kind of ministry, because I’ve always looked at that as a ministry opportunity,” Cochran said.
Kris Johnson, director of grants and sponsored programs, did not start her career wanting to work with non-profits or write grants for a small community in Indiana. After working in academic grants at the University of Chicago, she was adamant that she did not just want to write grants for the rest of her life. But, she found that there was a need for grants wherever she went. It’s an uncommon skill that can serve the community, she said.
“I didn't start out writing grants, but I started out just showing up and serving apple cider,” Johnson said. “You don't have to bring some sort of specific skill set except showing up and being willing to do anything.”
Brandon Dykstra, department chair and professor of kinesiology, was introduced not just as a professor, but also an avid runner and a ruling member of New Life Church in Marion and a student of the Supreme Court. In his free time, he enjoys listening to conversations and debates of Supreme Court cases. Dykstra believes that listening to and engaging with court cases can help people understand the complexities behind civic issues as well as comprehend the importance behind informed action versus reaction.
“If you go and listen to a Supreme Court case about a divisive topic, maybe it doesn't necessarily change your mind, but at the very least, as a baseline, I think you can't help but come away from that argument thinking this topic is far more complicated than (you) thought it would be,” Dykstra said.
Although Dykstra’s perspective does not include a specific call to action, he highlights the importance of being willing to engage in civic issues, being informed and willing to think critically.
Throughout the conversation, one theme was evident from all speakers — show up. This can look like volunteering for community events and non-profits, but it’s vital to show up and engage with the community however possible, Byers said. Whatever your skill set is, show up for your community, get involved and be intentional.
