New Chaplain, David Kabanje, Shares His Spiritual Vision for Union College: An Interview with Pastor K Reveals His Passion for Ministry

This week I had an opportunity to interview the new chaplain for next year, Pastor David Kabanje. He was very open and friendly and gave me an idea of who he is and what he plans to do as chaplain at Union College. His passion in ministry is watching people realize that the Bible is real.

“There is a moment where the Bible comes alive for a person who has read and understood it for years because they meet Jesus–the person–not the idea or concept. Seeing that “aha” moment that Jesus is more than they thought, more than they expected. They see why people are passionate about Jesus. I get fired up, it's like falling back in love again. I remember what it was like to first fall in love with Jesus.”

His main goal is to build on the legacy of Pastor Rich. Pastor K believes that every Christian leader has a responsibility to build on the foundation built by those who have come before them. In this context, that means continuing to empower and inform students in their walk with Christ. 

Specifically, there are three things that he would like to pursue in this effort to continue building campus ministries. First, he wants to tap into the variety of technology available today. One idea he has to incorporate technology is to start a podcast that focuses on Union Spirit in faculty, staff and students with the goal of facilitating relationship growth both with God and with each other. Another thing Pastor K wants to strive for is an incorporation of the surrounding Adventist churches, working with them to figure out how Union can join them in serving the community, celebrating diversity and simply being a community.

He also wants to continue the tradition Pastor Rich started with Good Morning Union, but with a twist. He would like to make a devotional book in which students, staff and faculty all contribute; that way, the devotionals can reach further than just the immediate Union community.  

Overall, Pastor K wants to find what fits for Union. He doesn’t want to come and impose his ideas on Union. He wants to find what is needed and how campus ministries can best facilitate Union growing a relationship with God. He wants religious events to be programs that “when you walk away you say, I’m so glad I came. It’s about Jesus. Not us.” 

From the conversation I had with Pastor K, I think he will be a good fit for Union, and I am looking forward to hearing about God’s continued work at Union College.

Jade Covel is a senior

religion major from

Topeka, Kan.