By Denton Josey, Features Editor

After seven years as director of ministry events, Dr. Mark Love enters his final Lectureship this year. Also on faculty in the Graduate School of Theology, Love plans to continue his education after Lectureship.

“I’m currently a Ph. D student at Luther Seminary,” Love said. “I’m on a two-year leave from the university, then we’ll just kinda see in two years.”

Love said he takes a lot of good memories from his time as director of Lectureship. “I love the event itself; I love the energy.”

Under Love’s direction, Lectureship changed from a February event to September, the class format changed and more ownership was given to the faculty and students.

“You’re in a job where you feel like you’re making a big difference,” Love said. “I’m proud of the big changes we’ve made.”

Involving the campus more is something Love is proud to have accomplished. “The brightest star in that regard is including the arts,” Love said. “Art and faith have become a real staple.”

After this year’s Lectureship, Brady Bryce steps in as new director. A ’95 graduate of ACU, Bryce comes to ACU after eight years as the preaching minister at the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton.

“I did not pursue this; I never thought about doing this,” Bryce said. “I figured I’d be in a full-time preaching role for the next 40 to 50 years, but Jack Reese called me and talked to me about it.”

Bryce said he has attended Lectureship since 1990 and went while he was a student at ACU. “It’s always been a valuable component of who I am; it’s always been a great relationship time for me.”

Love said Bryce’s presence at Lectureship this year gives him a head start for when he is in charge next year. Bryce said while his role this year is limited, he has been learning already.

“It is a massive venture, and it is about people at every level, relationships at every level,” Bryce said.

Bryce said early on, Lectureship was intended for students. He wants to continue to re-imagine how students can have a creative role in what Lectureship looks like.

“What Kate and Mark have done with the student role is what I want to see continue,” Bryce said. “My hope is they’ll really turn out this year and make their presence known ’cause there’s some great student events.”

“I’m most excited about the students and where they’re at spiritually today,” Bryce said. “The average run-of-the-mill student is more spiritually aware than when I was in school
and has a lot to offer older generations.”

“I think young people have something to offerthe tradition now and I think the tradition has something to offer young people,” Bryce said.