Clark Atlanta University Welcomes First Female Chaplain
By: D'chell Crayton
Issue date: 10/21/09 Section: Student Life
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Green was called to ministry in 1993 and began her seminary the following year at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from Morehouse's School of Religion. She received her Master's of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from ITC. Green also has her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from Georgia State University.
Since Green began ministry at CAU, services have had a positive number in audience members. Students from CAU, Morehouse and Spelman attend Sunday services. "There is an audience. My desire is to reach students who are feeling something in their hearts," Green said. She expects more attendance and consistency from students throughout the school year. "I've gone to chapel since it started and I like it! It's something new for CAU," senior Sociology and Criminal Justice major Justeen Bellinger said.
She has incorporated ways to familiarize students with herself and chapel services. Every Tuesday, Green holds lessons on the Bible - history, understanding and how to apply the Bible to life. "I'm here to be a mentor, confidante and a friend." Every Wednesday, Green makes herself available to students by going to the café and eating lunch. She calls it "Chat and Chew."
Green has plans to gain the attention of those who may be seeking spiritual guidance. She wants to publicize herself and her services the "non-traditional way." She plans to hold a Gospel Café, trips to skating rinks and do some collaborative work within the AUC. "I want to make myself more visible to students, avail myself." Green said.
"I think it's cool we have a female chaplain. I think she'll succeed as the first female chaplain." junior Business major Jeremy Hayes said.
Beginning her seminary, Green endured many hardships. Since being a woman in seminary, she was not easily accepted. As a woman in the early 90s, it was not traditional for women to serve in Southern Baptist churches, one where she attended church.
As a young girl, Green was always spiritual, looking at her mother's experiences; she was always drawn to the church for strength. Since her childhood, she always had a love and passion for church. "I always knew God had plans for my life since I was 12 years old," Green said.
Green served as the Director of Students at ITC and she has also been an associate minister at many churches around town. Once receiving her degrees, Green became the first female chaplain at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she served there for seven years.
Her choice for choosing CAU came from her experiences from her seminary. While in seminary Green's professor allowed many college students to come into the class and speak. She chose CAU simply because she wanted to minister to young people and help them find themselves spiritually. "To be in a hub with so many different students; to be able to minister to young people, I believe that's a gift for me as well," Green said.
"It's very important for one to make the most and best out of your matriculation- spiritually, scholastically and socially; none should outweigh the others," Green said to encourage students.
Chapel services are every Sunday in Davage Auditorium at 11am.
