Ministry Matters

Overview

Discover purpose. Build community. Deepen faith.

Ministry Matters is a vibrant new pathway open to students who want to stay grounded in their faith while exploring how to live it out through acts of service, worship opportunities, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re already deeply involved in church or simply curious about faith and community, this pathway offers a welcoming space to belong, grow, and lead.

What You’ll Experience

Lead and Serve: Take part in planning and carrying out Barton’s signature service opportunities like our Day of Service and the Brighter Lights Pantry.

Worship Together: Help shape meaningful worship experiences like Thanksgiving Worship, Lighting of the Luminaries, Blessing of the Animals, Baccalaureate, and more.

Engage Locally: Join visits to local churches and community gatherings.

Refresh and Reflect: Participate in spiritual retreats and service trips, such as the Spring Break Service Trip and the Art & Spirit Retreat.

Grow Spiritually: Learn and practice faith-forming habits like prayer, journaling, and Bible study.

Earn While You Learn: Eligible students may receive scholarships to help cover tuition, trips, and retreats.

Ministry Matters is Perfect for:

Students interested in growing and exploring their Christian faith
Religion majors and minors looking to enrich their academic and spiritual life
Students longing for a deeper sense of purpose and belonging

Barton College is proudly affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and we are committed to being a place of grace and welcome for students of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. We encourage radical inclusivity, open inquiry, interfaith dialogue, and an environment of mutuality and respect.

Meet Your Ministry Matters Leader

Alysun Skinner has served as the Chaplain of Barton College since January 2022, where she also teaches First-Year Seminar (FYS 101). Prior to her role at Barton, she spent a decade in youth ministry within the United Methodist Church and holds a Master of Arts in Christian Practices from Duke Divinity School.

Alysun is an active member of First Christian Church in Wilson, NC. She is passionate about building community, supporting students, and creating spaces for reflection and faith formation.

She is married to Kris and is the proud mom of two, Dylan and Emory. Alysun enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, kayaking, reading (especially on the beach), sleeping, and smiling.